tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50006041731814145952024-03-05T15:42:53.985-08:00LadyElleFashionLife of a Fashion Rockstar!
I'm elle (aka Elena), a recent Fashion Design graduate from the renowned FIDM in Los Angeles. I crave fashion and culture. Here are the stories of my heart and adventures that I'm not afraid to take to make my dreams unravel for y'all to see!Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-54937156611950553022010-12-26T23:39:00.000-08:002010-12-26T23:39:32.351-08:00I Did It!!!I am writing this article to express how elated I am to have accomplished a huge and amazing goal I've always had - I am officially a Fashion Design graduate from FIDM in Los Angeles. It is such a fantastic feeling. I have worked so very hard to accomplish this. This has been one of the most surprizingly difficult things I have ever worked for in my life. The work was so intense but now the reward and sense of being finished is extremely sweet. It feels oh so amazing to accomplish something you have always dreamed of doing. I feel so alive when I go after what I want in life! <br />
<br />
What a fabulous article I now get to write to share that I have officially accomplished this major goal that I set out to do when I first began this blog after I left the city of DC. It was a feeling beyond expression when I was driving back home to Utah when I passed this spot in one of the canyons where I almost gave up on my dreams. A long while back I wrote an article about how I couldn't fathom how this was all going to work for me to make the major sacrifices that were required for me to pursue my dream of attending FIDM in Los Angeles for Fashion Design. I had almost given up a little before school started because I had not found an apartment and employment was extremely questionable during the current economic state. My brain had basically talked me out of going for this dream because the rational side kept trying to tell me that none of this was going to work out. My heart kicked in when I was driving away from my City of Angels and tears fell down my cheek. I knew at that moment that I had to tell my brain to just shut the hell up for a lil bit and let my heart take over for once. I remember the specific spot I was driving through when I was completely overcome by these emotions. Now after just recently graduating and accomplishing this amazing goal it was such a mind blowing experience passing through this same spot on my journey in the canyon realizing - wow I did this! I went for this, I gave it my ALL, and I did it!!! I remember those sad tears of thinking I had to give up on my dream and now I had tears of complete joy knowing that I did it! Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-52242420742886868552010-11-29T13:16:00.000-08:002010-11-29T13:18:09.055-08:00Your Capacity is Far Beyond What You Can Imagine"Your capacity is far beyond what you can imagine." - Elder Richard G. Scott<br />
<br />
I have been looking back on how my skills and knowledge in the fashion world have improved so much since the first day of school. What I could do in one week, I can now do in a matter of a few hours. It's amazing to see progress.<br />
<br />
It's great to visualize what you want out of life, then analyze how to get there, and then finalize it! Visualize, Analyze, Finalize! These happen to be concepts a great fashion designer utilizes in the process of design, but can absolutely be applied to anything you want out of life. <br />
<br />
Everyday in life we should pursue our goals. Our goals should be balanced in terms of personal/family/spiritual relationships, career/work, and serving others. <br />
<br />
So many times in life we hit bumps or even brick walls along the way. Never give up no matter what. Happiness is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it. Life is not meant to be perfect, but it is important that we are constantly pushing ourselves toward perfection. Every step I take in my own personal progress, the happier I am on the interior and exterior. Instead of thinking that something is impossible or you "can't" do something, STOP, rethink, and start with a "how can I..." It's all about taking the first step, once you do that, keep working and then you will realize how everything just seems to work out and things will fall into place. Just start by thinking "all I have to do is take the first step" and then TAKE IT.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-5508090884568772892010-11-18T15:39:00.000-08:002010-11-18T15:39:48.154-08:00I Will Go Where You Want Me to Go ;)All I can do now is think about the countdown - the countdown of how many weeks/days/hrs I have left until I graduate from FiDM and leave LA. I feel like all I am doing now is just waiting for the end of school to arrive. I have the toughest month ahead of me in terms of what I will be required to produce. It will be awesome to push myself as hard as I can and then look back and know how I really did give it everything I've got! <br />
<br />
I've made my decision - I am moving, moving out of LA and to.... I'm sure it's not a big secret at this point but I am moving to.... Salt Lake City, Utah. Home sweet home. It's time to pull the plug from city life and recharge. Not sure why, but I feel like that is the place where the good Lord wants me to be for a little while. I'm not sure how long I will stay but I'm just going to lead with my heart for now, wait for my head to follow, and watch out for the opportunities around me. My small business has officially started. So many things in the works right now, but first I need to finish school and put in as much effort as I can in my final projects. Once the final "school bell" rings for me, then I will full fledge commit myself to my fashion design business. I'm going to pursue my next biggest goal and make this happen for me no matter what.<br />
<br />
Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-67764049676269673492010-11-03T22:55:00.000-07:002010-11-03T22:55:28.994-07:00Fashion & Oxygen, Nothing More, Nothing LessThe past couple of days I have been contemplating the amount of work that is required to be successful in my fashion design program. It's really amazing how many hours I put into working on fashion design related projects. The other day I started my designing at 8am and continued throughout the entire day only taking breaks to eat. I continued into the late evening, then into the late hours of the night, and then soon enough my alarm to wake up went off and I was still up and working (hadn't slept a minute). I then had to jet off to 9 hours of class. I got home at 9pm and then went straight to bed. I was exhausted to say the least. I keep looking at this week's schedule of projects and wow, I'm starting to think that I may have this busy routine quite often. I'm glad I didn't really understand how hard I would have to work in this industry, because if I had really understood that at day one I may have seriously been scared away. I do know that I LOVE fashion design because this may be one of the few things in life that I could happily do with this type of schedule. This is my last quarter of school and it will be over very shortly. I'm so happy that I've had the opportunity to experience this. Fashion is the marrow of my bones. I'm so excited to discover what the future holds for me in this industry. This is what I was born to do. What keeps me alive - Fashion & Oxygen, nothing more, nothing less.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-33541346618097679002010-10-22T21:22:00.000-07:002010-10-22T21:22:52.325-07:00WHAT and IF<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">What and If are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of you life: What if? What if? What if? You only need courage to follow your heart... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">So then, follow your ♥ !</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">I recently watched the movie "Up in the Air", it had a great message overall but one line that I loved was this: "Do you know why little kids love professional athletes so much?" The answer was because professional athletes follow their dreams. Life becomes magical when you do just that. It's time we all ask ourselves about what it is that we are passionate about, what it is that we want to experience, what it is that we want our lives to aspire to. It's never too late!!! I will say this again - If you aren't living your dreams, you're already dead. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">So who is this gal you ask, what business does she have gett'n up on her soap box preach'n to the crowd about liv'n your dreams, well if you've been reading my blog since day one then you will realize the shape that my journey is taking. I hit the reset button and quit a high profile job to take the biggest risks of my life to pursue fashion design. The journey is underway and still going, this is a dream I will spend the rest of my life developing. Fashion is never finished ;-) There are other dreams I aspire to have that go along with my design pursuits and those will be my next paths I will take once I graduate from FIDM in eight short weeks. What an exciting yet perhaps a little scary time this is in my life! What's the next step? Where do I go from here? I know what I want, now to look at the plan and tackle the first and next and next tasks to get there. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span>Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-12266095484042561722010-10-17T22:42:00.000-07:002010-10-17T22:42:24.690-07:00Lucky to be HereI can't help but count the days I have left in LA when it feels like there are so few left (only approximately 60 days). When the end of a story approaches sometimes in our lives it is bitter sweet. Going to fashion design school at FIDM has always been a dream of mine. This was one of those dreams I thought would always remain just a dream. I couldn't fathom it actually becoming a reality. Well it's a reality, and I'm kicking butt at it. I love it. I could design all day and night, and I actually have to prove that I can do just that frequently with my busy schedule and intense curriculum. It's a good thing I love it so much. <br />
<br />
It's going to be hard to leave the comfort of some of the very fun friendships I've ever experienced here in LA. I've met some amazing people who I would do anything for. LA has been a place where I've been able to fully be who I am. The circle of people I've been so blessed to meet have done nothing but hold their arms wide open for me. That will always be in my heart forever. <br />
<br />
On another note - I won't miss the crazies talking to thin air and all the homeless people peeing on the sidewalk. I won't miss the weirdos who follow me on the street and completely creep me out. I won't miss the druggies trying to bum 63 or 42 or 57 cents off of me to "ride the bus". I won't miss the plastic Hollywood clubbing losers. Haha, but these experiences have helped me to see reality for what it is, to really evaluate the direction I want my life to head in. Seeing this has made me realize how much I want to have a family of my own, how much I want to find an awesome guy to fall madly in love with and experience being a mom someday. <br />
<br />
LA took me as I was and will shortly be sending me out a better person. I've seen my share of devils in this angel town. Who would have guessed that I would find me - who I am - here in LA. Thank you LA! But you're not getting rid of me quite yet, we've still got 60 days :) Let's make the best of it!!Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-7619445326972250472010-10-05T21:48:00.000-07:002010-10-05T21:48:09.081-07:0010 Weeks10 weeks left in LA, [I think]. 10 weeks until I graduate from my Fashion Design program at FiDM. 10 weeks until another chapter finishes and time to start a new one. 10 weeks until no more hustle and bustle of the big horizontal city. 10 weeks until I get to embark on a new journey. But until then, the next 10 weeks are going to be the 10 weeks that shape and develop who I am. These next 10 weeks may just be the most critical 10 weeks I might have in my life for a while. It's hard to say what will develop after this, I know what I have in mind and it will be a matter of working hard to get it, but it will take time. <br />
<br />
I'm back in LA, got back last night. I felt like a stranger strolling around the unusual rainy streets this evening after being away for a couple of weeks. When I transition from Salt Lake City, Utah to LA I feel like I'm on a whole different planet. It almost feels like another time period. I can't say that it's entirely a positive or a negative feeling, perhaps a bit of both. Living here is not something you can describe or accurately express to those outside, but it is merely an experience to be understood by only those who too have lived in LA. I'm sure I will spend the next two weeks readjusting to the place that I consider home for now. <br />
<br />
Today I felt alone in a city that has over 8 million people. Yes there are many many many people out there in LA, however I find myself just wanting to almost shut it all out for now. I came here to do one thing - study Fashion Design. Self mastery will be my focus. Sorry world, you are just going to have to keep all of your problems for a later time. I've only got 10 weeks left!Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-512685941151293802010-09-20T20:32:00.000-07:002010-09-20T20:32:52.330-07:00LACMA Recharge!Today on a random spur of the moment - I thought hey I could really use some art intake to recharge my creative side! So I ventured off down the road to LACMA - LA County Museum of Art. And guess what... they had some fabulous Andy Warhol paintings. I love that I was greated with the traditional Campbell's soup can. The 60s... this is where it all started - the break of finally good fashion and freedom of art, and freedom of oh so much more haha! ;) Love love love modern/contemporary art, love poppism, love Andy Warhol, love the 60s counter culture movement, love Edie Sedgwick, love Twiggy, love Marilyn Monroe, LOVE Jackie O. Fabulous stuff! It's like finally turning on the light and seeing the world after being in the dark for so long. <br />
<br />
After the art museum I was inspired to do a little retail therapy at The Grove in West Hollywood. This might be one of my favorite outdoor malls. I think I may have even had a Jude Law spotting! Not a bad way for a gal to spend her afternoon living her life in LA. The Grove is adorable and fabulous. There is this street that goes off of the main walkway - the small path is covered in cobble stones with antique looking light posts - makes you feel like you are in Paris for a minor second. <br />
<br />
Other than spending my time recovering from finals with art museums and shopping, I have been reading. I just finished a great book! It was written by one of my favorites - Tim Gunn (the Project Runway mentor and so much more). His book is called <i>Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work.</i> It was an easy and stimulating read. I finished it in just a couple of nights. The book has a good message about truth telling and always taking the high road. It is humorous in terms of his outting the Divas of the fashion world - namely my least favorite diva Anna Wintour! He talks about how she infamously never likes to take elevators with others and how at one fashion event she made her body guards carry her down five flights of stairs and then even continue until she was placed in her car. Disgusting! It's funny to me that so many in the fashion world worship a woman who could really really REALLY use an updated hairdo! Haha! For those of you who don't know Anna Wintour, I'm sure you have seen the movie <i>The Devil Wears Prada</i>. The woman Meryl Streep plays is supposed to be a knock at Anna Wintour at Vogue. Need a good book - purchase Tim Gunn's newest! <br />
<br />
Very soon I will get to spend some time in Orange County and the beach when my parents come to visit. Then I will be off to Salt Lake City, Utah to check out a few ideas I have in this creative brain of mine! It's time to soak it all up before the school whip gets popp'in again!Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-85787276559391100052010-09-16T10:54:00.000-07:002010-09-16T10:54:49.519-07:00Elle - Oh - Vee - EEE!Finals finished. So happy. I worked so hard. Things are really starting to come along. I can see my design vision taking off. I can see the picture I want in life starting to develop. This experience of moving to LA without even knowing a single person and pursuing something I've always dreamed of doing has been so challenging. I can see now after working so hard, that I will continue to have to work even harder. However, now is the time where I can finally start to taste a little bit of the sweetness. The reward only comes after the blood, sweat, and tears. I love fashion. I love being a fashion designer. What an amazing experience this is.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-75344641397806031862010-09-14T22:29:00.000-07:002010-09-14T22:29:12.023-07:00One More to GO!I am in the midst of finals for design! Last night equated to no sleep and sewing all hours of the night. I completed a pair of capri pants with extra large cuffs and a motif draped dress w/lining out of Georgette fabric. So many times during my night last night of final projects I wanted to quit. However that didn't happen. I love this too much. My weeks have consisted of approximately 80 hr plus weeks - attending classes, projects, and working my side job outside of school. I have completed four finals and now just one more to go tomorrow night for my computer pattern drafting class. After tomorrow, I will have one remaining quarter until I am officially a FiDM Fashion Design Professional Designation Graduate! It's just around the corner. I want my last quarter to be my best! I have now fully adapted to being a fashion design student. I have a whole new view and a tremendous amount of respect for what it really requires to successfully survive a renown fashion design program. This has been quite the refining experience.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-59065328576630079072010-09-09T00:53:00.000-07:002010-09-09T00:53:30.349-07:00Simple ThoughtYou know its been said that we just don't recognize the significant moments in our lives while they are happening. We grow complacent with ideas or things or people and we take them for granted. It's not usually until that thing is about to be taken away from you that you realize how wrong you've been. You realize how much you really need it, that you love it!<br />
<br />
I love my family. I love the idea of being able to have a family of my own. Some days I think I may have forgotten this. I have become clouded and preoccupied with so many other things such as my career and the voice of the mainstream world. I almost forgot that this is the most amazing thing to achieve. The idea of having a family of my own used to be one of my biggest goals, biggest reasons to fight for life! It still is, but I think I've been hiding it with all the fear that the world brings. The world can paint a very scary picture when it comes to trusting another, giving your heart away, putting your happiness in another's hands. I wouldn't change the things I've been blessed to accomplish thus far, those have molded me into the person I am and will help to mold me into the person I will become in my life journey. I will never stop working toward the goals that I have. Some days I just need to remind myself of the biggest blessing I really dream of having - more than being a famous fashion designer, more than obtaining "things", some day I dream of having a family of my own. Family should be the foundation of our society.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-6223348587235114412010-09-03T11:55:00.000-07:002010-09-03T11:55:12.904-07:00A Year and Some ChangeA year ago, I didn't even think there was a possibility of me pursuing one of my biggest dreams of going to a prestigious fashion design school. There was so much weighing me down. So many many many things clouding my mind where no matter how logically I looked at the picture, it really didn't even seem possible. I cried thinking I might just have to accept that this dream of mine just didn't make sense and that I might just have to let it go. My heart finally took over my brain. I felt like I literally had to push the off button on my brain just long enough to actually make the leap and just get out here to LA, start school, and hope for the best, that everything else would line up so that I could survive and really accomplish this. I'm here. I've overcame the worries and barriers I never thought would work out. Crazy thing is, I still to this day can't really fathom how everything has just worked out for me. Things seem to fall in the right place. However there have been many intense struggles. This has been one of the hardest things I've had to work for. No matter how hard it's been, no matter how many struggles, every single day of this dream has been soooo worth it! Now I have finals in two weeks and then just one more quarter left until I graduate from my program. I wish a year ago I could read what I am writing this very moment. A year ago I'm not sure I would have believed these words today. What an amazing faith building experience.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-60248336361776422312010-08-28T00:47:00.000-07:002010-08-28T01:50:11.115-07:00So What Happens When You Really Live Your Dreams...I was just watching a show about kids in High School. I feel like High School was just a couple of years ago... however, it turns out High School was about 8-9 years ago... wow! I remember the girl I was back then - the dreams I had. The really crazy thing that I just realized is that I have actually lived most of the goals/dreams I wanted for myself. It started out with my adventure to Hawaii and living there, becoming a college athlete (cheerleader!), graduating in Business Finance, climbing the corporate ladder (Vice President position of a national CRE banking group - promoted just before my 25th birthday), obtaining a specific figured income goal for one year (age 25), running two marathons a month apart at 26.2 miles a piece (in 2008), and then going to graduate school for fashion design. I will complete my graduate degree in December of this year 2010... less than 115 days away. So now what? What is left? Well now that all of that can be checked off my list, there are some very important goals left: To start and run my own successful business, find - fall madly in love with - and marry my soulmate forever in the temple, and become a mother. Oh and just for good measure go to Tahiti. <br />
<br />
I don't think a day goes by where I'm not thinking about what I want in life, what goals I have, what my dreams are. I have accomplished a great deal of what I have wanted to achieve, but I think the most important goals are the ones still to come. These remaining goals that I have so far in my life are the ones that will most likely bring me the most meaning for my life, the most happiness, and make me a better person if I should be so blessed to accomplish them. I think about the goals I have yet to achieve and I become a little afraid about not getting there. However, then I just remember accomplishing my previous goals. They all started out with a dream and a desire to obtain. I then worked very hard. Nothing came easy, but I just never gave up, and I eventually got there. <br />
<br />
I have an amazing family. They have taught me so many things and have supported me in so many ways. I will forever love them for this. I'm very fortunate to have a family that has praised me while I was up and has lifted me when I was down. Let's just say that along with the good sometimes comes the bad and our life trials. These I have experienced. Trials - once you overcome them fully they can become strengths to you and to those around you. The path has not always been easy or fun, it has been very difficult at times. The most important thing is that I haven't given up yet. My family will never give up on me. Life is a refining process. Life should be about family. That is if you want a life full of meaning and happiness. The beautiful thing is that we all have the ability to have families of our own, if we so choose.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-39079962542027168032010-08-23T13:18:00.000-07:002010-08-23T13:18:51.097-07:00LA You Can Have It Because I Don't Want It.There is so much attitude and pretentiousness in this city - enough to fill eight million hot air balloons. In life you've got to choose your battles. LA is never going to change. I've never met so many people who think they are going to be rich and famous. When you look into their eyes, that is the only story their souls tell. I don't want to be any part of that. It's like the city has a disease. They ramble on in nonsensical ways. I guess I didn't get the memo when crazy zombies took over LA. It's short and simple - I don't want to be a LALA Land victim. So there you go, my bubble has been popped, I've seen it all! Now I'm the one who is turning my back. I'm moving on.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-51015844391336838972010-08-21T11:27:00.000-07:002010-08-21T11:37:21.474-07:00Who am I? Where am I going?This is the purpose of us being here - to learn who we are. It is vital for each of us to frequently ask ourselves - Who am I? Where am I going? <br />
<br />
When we are learning who we are, we are also taking steps in many different directions. Our destination is directed as we grow to know ourselves. We get to make choices which lead us to who we become. We can make changes to who we are by redirecting our paths. We do have choice. When we make good decisions it frees us to have more available choices; in an essence we become even more free. If we make poor decisions we bind ourselves; in an essence we are in prison and our scope of choice becomes extremely limited. <br />
<br />
What's the difference between a good decision and a poor decision. Just step back for a few minutes and ignore your carnal/brute nature and listen to your heart or what impressions you feel by your gut instinct. The good decisions often times are not based on instant gratification. <br />
<br />
I've been doing a great deal of self reflection and changing back to who I know I really am. The change has been more than worth it by how I feel. I'm finally getting that inner happiness back. I remember the day I felt I had lost that inner happiness. A little while back, I was sitting in my car waiting at a stop light outside of the Univeristy of Utah, I felt a pit of misery inside of me. Now after some changes, realizations and humility, I am in such a better mood. It feels like my spirit wants to smile and laugh. There is a good familiarity about the way I feel now. <br />
<br />
There is more out there than just the latest fashion trend, more than the best high class dining experience, more than unruly substances to consume for instant gratification, more than money, more than popularity and fame. If life is only about these, one will realize either quickly or over some wasted time, that real happiness actually isn't gained from these. There is something more... thank goodness!Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-81356647668174007372010-08-13T09:21:00.000-07:002010-08-13T09:21:53.115-07:0017 Moves and 5 States Later...Summation of every single time I have packed up all of my stuff and moved... GEEZ...<br />
<br />
1. Born - Farmington, New Mexico (NM) - 1984<br />
2. Midvale, Utah (UT) - 1985/86<br />
3. Cottonwood Heights, UT - 1987<br />
4. Laie, Hawaii - 2002<br />
5. Cottonwood Heights, UT - 2003<br />
6. Provo, UT - 2003<br />
7. Cottonwood Heights, UT - 2004<br />
8. Murray, UT - 2005<br />
9. Sandy, UT- 2005<br />
10. Cottonwood Heights, UT - 2005<br />
11. Downtown Avenues, SLC, UT - 2006<br />
12. Cottonwood Heights, UT - 2007<br />
13. Downtown Salt Lake City, UT - 2008<br />
14. Cottonwood Heights, UT - 2009<br />
15. Washington, DC - 2009<br />
16. Cottonwood Heights, UT - 2009<br />
17. Los Angeles, CA - 2009<br />
18. ??? - 2011<br />
<br />
17 Moves and 5 States Later... Here I am!<br />
<br />
*I should note that a majority of the "Cottonwood Heights" moves were just for a couple to few weeks staying at home until the next move was all prepped and ready to go, however I still had to move everything even though I may not have unpacked all my bags.<br />
<br />
Just some random thoughts to share... How many times have you moved???Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-38771322308406522292010-08-11T23:06:00.000-07:002010-08-11T23:06:51.172-07:00LA or Elle eh?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-00BoQBNJuHsF5fAUEuJrzM15XfodgZFeqlDddHyefXJfluUJ69YS2cA7MuXyoQIs00AcdnXJXL-sgn3bCjjQ2BZN4Zuigfp4bjo58zaxjtz4kn6zU7HvC8F5R_rOc8NWubovVkxRmRc1/s1600/40374_417849551790_714661790_5305027_2046512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-00BoQBNJuHsF5fAUEuJrzM15XfodgZFeqlDddHyefXJfluUJ69YS2cA7MuXyoQIs00AcdnXJXL-sgn3bCjjQ2BZN4Zuigfp4bjo58zaxjtz4kn6zU7HvC8F5R_rOc8NWubovVkxRmRc1/s400/40374_417849551790_714661790_5305027_2046512_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I decided that even though I have to study all of the time, I might as well try and have some fun while doing it. Today while studying for my last midterm, I sat at the edge of my pool with my feet in the water and my study materials in hand. Such a fabulous way to study! There really are some amazing parts to LA, this is one of them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to constantly seek out the beauty around me if I want to keep my mind in a state of "creating beautiful things". This job of seeking out the feelings of beauty to translate into something tangible is a spectacular job. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my life from a career standpoint. </div>Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-90061927359258852382010-08-09T10:29:00.000-07:002010-08-09T10:29:08.817-07:00Change of HeartMy last facebook update status notes: <em>It has taken me a little while to realize the only one who can inhibit us is the person staring back at us in the mirror. So I decided to stop inhibiting myself and you know what it feels pretty awesome. The weight on my shoulders has been lifted and I can finally breath deep and clear with a big smile on my face.</em><br />
<br />
The change of heart for me in my life has happened, it will continue to happen all of my life as I learn and grow. <strong>Not a better feeling out there</strong>. Walking down the streets of Los Angeles on my way to school today felt great. Sometimes in life we all need to do this - We all need to make those changes, make those improvements, and then walk confidently and happily towards what's instore for our future. <br />
<br />
The song "When the Sand Runs Out" has great lyrics. The intro is about being at an old friend's grave. I have changed the lyrics to a small degree to fit my life. The old friend's grave... well.. it could represent the person I used to stare at in the mirror. Now someone new is there with a changed countenance. <br />
<br />
"When The Sand Runs Out"<br />
<br />
<br />
I spent the morning at an old friend's grave<br />
Flowers and Amazing Grace, she was a good girl<br />
She spent her whole life spinnin' her wheels<br />
Never knowin' how the real thing feels<br />
<br />
And I stood there thinking as I said goodbye<br />
<strong>Today is the first day of the rest of my life</strong><br />
<br />
I'm gonna stop lookin' back and start movin' on<br />
And learn how to face my fears<br />
Love with all of my heart, make my mark<br />
I wanna leave something here<br />
<br />
'Cause people do it everyday<br />
Promise themselves they're gonna change<br />
I've been there, <strong>but I'm changin' from the inside out</strong><br />
<br />
That was then and this is now<br />
I'm a new girl, yeah, I'm a brand new girl<br />
And when they carve my stone they'll write these words<br />
"Here lies a woman who lived and loved life for all that its worth".<br />
<br />
Yeah I wanna be runnin'<br />
<br />
When the sand runs out.<br />
<br />
<br />
First fix yourself. Then look to help others. Serve others. Be happy, with happiness that just never ever seems to fade. Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-66773875915900003482010-07-31T00:23:00.000-07:002010-07-31T19:55:11.117-07:00Dear Mom,... When you can't "verbally" say it, ... but you need to say it...<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
I love you. You're great. I've always known that! You are an inspiration to me, I want you to know that. It takes more than guts to go after what your heart wants. I never fully understood that until I too entered the "creative world". I'm one of the lucky few to have parents support me whole heartedly for me to pursue my dream in this fabulous "creative world". What I'm learning from my surroundings is it's rare for parents to "emotionally" back their daughters in this field. Most aspire for their kids to be doctors, lawyers, finance CEO's ;) [wink... that's where I was headed] ... Sure the parents "fit the bill" for their kids, but there is no emotional support -- that is priceless. You've always supported me - pushed me to want to reach my full potential. For this, in my life, I will! To some degree, I already have, but I have big goals for my life -- and I know I will get there. <br />
<br />
I'm lucky to have you as my mom. I can only hope and pray that someday I too can have a daughter that would feel the same way about me. <br />
<br />
Some can take the easy road. But for me to really get it -- I guess I've had to take the road less traveled on. However, I've never felt alone -- you've always been there. When I was sick in Hawaii, basically on my death bed, you were there all the time -- I will never forget that. I think of those times way more often than you may realize.<br />
<br />
You and my dearest daddy are wonderful people. I still don't know how I deserve you both as my parents.<br />
<br />
I'm sure I've still got a lot of learning to do... but I'm gett'in there. <br />
<br />
I know God loves me dearly -- because of the family he gave me. <br />
<br />
I love you all! Thanks for always supporting me - even when I have a hard head, you are still there. You're the best!<br />
<br />
Love, Elena<br />
Your one and only daughter! [thank goodness - right?! ;)]<br />
<br />
*** This article is dedicated to my mommy dearest, the only mom who would ever really get me -- I'm lucky! I love her! This article is intended for you to be inspired to write a letter to who has inspired you.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-24046642651469621922010-07-30T12:58:00.001-07:002010-07-30T12:58:59.363-07:00Hollywood's Not America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM9lSPoBgda2sxDleHRTzqGrXkeZCwQZQxeTAaY7qSY_r4hiayif1JcSaUOJlsN0tT651QN1_nf2eKV-hzNSdWJBx9ze68cbW-eI9d99QeeVMQDo5L8JPeudmUjj-vfhaued5-dcj0Cgt/s1600/hollywood+sign+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM9lSPoBgda2sxDleHRTzqGrXkeZCwQZQxeTAaY7qSY_r4hiayif1JcSaUOJlsN0tT651QN1_nf2eKV-hzNSdWJBx9ze68cbW-eI9d99QeeVMQDo5L8JPeudmUjj-vfhaued5-dcj0Cgt/s320/hollywood+sign+pink.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This song was "figuratively" written about me... my journey... </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Born ELENA jane</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With a restless soul</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She moved west to California</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Became a centerfold.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But once you change your name</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well the pieces fall</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now she hardly recognizes herself at all.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there's never any rain when you want it</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A hollow little game, and you've won it</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking for a thrill but you've done it all.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So long, put your blue jeans back on girl</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go home</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember Hollywood's not America</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So long, put your blue jeans back on girl</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go home</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember Hollywood's not America.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And everybody here is from somewhere else</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You could make a million dollars, but you might lose yourself</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>And you can take the heat, will your heart go cold?</strong></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They say acting's just pretending, but even that gets old.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there's never any rain when you want it</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A hollow little game, and you've won it </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking for a thrill but you've done it all.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So long, put your blue jeans back on girl</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go home</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember Hollywood's not America</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So long, put your blue jeans back on girl</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go home</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember Hollywood's not America.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I know what to do when </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know that you</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">YOU CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO BE.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPGKwVbUyFHl0rITy95tGAHfsxETHquCIiP8br1ZwIH9G0PJ2cO7PhM4tjvS5oESJ1jdLbGHZdJivrUwus0nN8O5O_oUQ90qyz8BG7nCkeUPX1JkJoLrTcJE1qmBfSKX5UTPtA6bTasyH/s1600/jeans+fashion+sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPGKwVbUyFHl0rITy95tGAHfsxETHquCIiP8br1ZwIH9G0PJ2cO7PhM4tjvS5oESJ1jdLbGHZdJivrUwus0nN8O5O_oUQ90qyz8BG7nCkeUPX1JkJoLrTcJE1qmBfSKX5UTPtA6bTasyH/s320/jeans+fashion+sketches.jpg" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-647211719944778292010-07-29T21:14:00.000-07:002010-07-29T21:14:31.244-07:00Single White Female Liv'in in LASo here I am in LA. Again witnessing at least ten mentally insane people a day. I am also amongst the Hollywood stars aka the people everyone has seen in the movies... la la la. I'm reading this book about success, about getting from where you are to where you want to be. It's about knowing yourself, setting goals, and then mastering them.<br />
<br />
Today I made my goal list. I decided on a list of ten. Not sure if I feel like being open enough to share them with the world, but they are written down, written inside my lovely personal design journal. My goals range from my own personal career success to personal relationships and family life to physical fitness aims. <br />
<br />
I read this story about Jim Carrey before he made it big in the acting world. He drove himself up to Mulholland Drive looking out over the beautiful homes and set his goals, he wrote himself a very large check... a way of setting his own goals for what he wanted to achieve. He post dated the check for when he expected to reach his goal, he did it - he achieved his goal by the date he set on the check he wrote to himself. When his father died, he put the check in his father's hand when he passed away because of the support he had received from his dad. Today, I wrote myself a check... It was in the amount I want to earn from my own personal business that I have set as a goal for myself. I pasted the check inside my journal with a post date of the time frame for when I expect to get where I want to be. I post dated it to my 30th birthday - January 6, 2014. I too have great support from my family and friends. I too will get there. <br />
<br />
I have some personal struggles to overcome. I'm working through those at the moment. Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's hard. All I know is that I need to stay strong and most importantly stay POSITIVE. I keep thinking of my plan for when I graduate. Right now I'm brainstorming a couple of ideas... we shall see what I decide as the time gets closer to the end of the year.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-57606747751375512182010-07-23T14:24:00.000-07:002010-07-23T14:24:34.361-07:00Expectations, Broken Promises and DisappointmentI think we have all been there - step 1: having expectations, step 2: broken promises and then comes step 3: disappointment. I'm tired of being disappointed. I'm sure it is an inevitable feeling which some people may just try and avoid by not having expectations. However, then you live in LALA Land. I think that is a good reason why many refer to LA as LALA Land. So many people are on this so called journey to make it big, be somebody and do something amazing. However most of who I meet are people falling short, working in lame jobs with crazy addictions. People talk a big game but where are the actual strong players? What is this fantasy world anyway? Perhaps I'm just the "square" that doesn't fit in here and I am more than ok with that. <br />
<br />
I'm glad I'm here right now seeing these examples first hand. I'm learning everyday what I do and do not want in my life. I graduate from my program in approximately five months which will then leave the door open for me and my next decision in life. Each life experience has taught me important lessons. I've seen a lot and have a good perspective about what is good. Because of this, I am amazed at how distorted the general population's view is. <br />
<br />
Life is not easy, but it is worth it! An example of what I saw today to show how life is not easy, were the three crazy people I saw when I was walking to school. They were out of their minds, yelling and screaming and then talking calmly to no one. So bizarre. Then there were the ten homeless people, pee stained sidewalks, and teenagers panhandling for drugs. Yeah, this is what I see on a daily basis and it is sad. I'm sure there are worse situations out there, however that still doesn't make it right. What makes life worth it for me right now, is knowing that I'm doing something I have always dreamed of - going to an amazing fashion design school. I can check a big item off of "my life list". There are also some amazing sites living in a major city with the tall buildings, city lights, and diversity. These amazing sites are things I will take and store as the good memories of my time living in LA.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-35738637615036879812010-07-05T14:37:00.000-07:002010-07-05T14:37:27.234-07:00Thought of the Day"Being oneself requires the determination to move beyond one's cultural origins, not to mention the courage to combine remnants from here and there in the creation of a design in step with current fashion. This is how I will express my voice."<br />
<br />
I keep thinking to myself, this thing isn't going to make itself, I have to. It's a path that requires step after step. It's important to keep moving but also enjoy the process. By me working hard while loving what I do, I can really provide something that makes this world better, more enjoyable, more fabulous. <br />
<br />
I know this is what drives me. This is my passion. When you can't sleep and wake up at 4 am for no reason but just to design, then you know you have found your true love from a career perspective. <br />
<br />
Your whole life you see everyone else around you. You hear countless opinions. You wonder who you should be. Then one day after you have been on one hell of a journey, you wake up. You realize your dream can be a reality. Furthermore, it's you who you really want to be. Now all that is left is DIG DEEP within yourself and pull that inner soul outward and share it with the world.Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-85416171235278243212010-07-02T03:23:00.000-07:002010-07-02T03:31:58.296-07:00Summer Anyone?My newest design! It's a honey yellow halter... triple front tucks with double front bag pockets constructed in a linen fabric. Perfectly fabulous for enjoying the summer in fashion. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3JmW-bf7ySF1xPjiVAdtW_rK6n6ulPbXF7n3_2xiljK5GlgnyIG6oG_Qwl7Tj3EyT3AaK8FANG2uqiRQmDfWkOsR-KbgyjQynOmKO61o1Skl6X4-SEcdgGRFPSMvUQqlQucxUmzG6BAm/s1600/0701001513a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3JmW-bf7ySF1xPjiVAdtW_rK6n6ulPbXF7n3_2xiljK5GlgnyIG6oG_Qwl7Tj3EyT3AaK8FANG2uqiRQmDfWkOsR-KbgyjQynOmKO61o1Skl6X4-SEcdgGRFPSMvUQqlQucxUmzG6BAm/s320/0701001513a.jpg" /></a></div>Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5000604173181414595.post-55610121475360305942010-05-28T12:16:00.000-07:002010-07-02T03:36:31.260-07:00The World Paints an Incorrect Picture of TruthI'm a very open minded girl. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt when they are making decisions and life choices. The thing I am stuck on the most right now, is how the world, or most of us in the world, have the idea that Hollywood or being famous is the ultimate goal. I have stared Hollywood right in the eyes. I have now met and observed quite a few of those "famous" people. The sad thing is, when you look into some of their eyes, there is a gross feeling you get. There is an emptiness in their soul and it coughs up nothing but misery. These are some of the people we envy??! I had another awakening yesterday after hearing a friend at lunch tell me his ultimate life goal - which was to be famous, wearing the fur coat, and having a super model stand beside him. He wanted to be exactly like a specific famous actor. Then later that evening I ironically bumped into this famous actor in West Hollywood. I shook "Mr Famous's" hand and experienced the empty soul coughing up misery... it seriously was a crazy experience and is almost difficult to really express what I saw and what I felt. I just wish we could all have the experience I had yesterday to really understand and see that what some of us think we want, isn't exactly what we think it is. The things we think are going to make us happy may actually make us very miserable. Life lesson #278... "the world paints an incorrect picture of truth"!Miss Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14328945539199501114noreply@blogger.com0