June/July 2015

It's been good to get a slight break off for a  few weeks since I've finished second year of my Fashion Management degree. I have only one unit to resit (sewing). I'm not overly surprised - I never really took to the subject and really struggled with remembering the steps and doing well with basic sewing techniques. Although I did not pass this unit; I'm happy with how I did. I did everything by myself and tried my best. I have a written piece I have to submit by mid-August so I have ample time to complete this task.

I took a jump career-wise and applied for a job more related to the field of my degree. Surprisingly, the day of my interview I got the call back with the offer of the job, which I have not accepted. It took about a month roughly to get the paperwork sorted with HR.

I had my first day two weeks ago and have been really enjoying it. It's been a good change as I've got to meet new people with similar interests and is a stable job with plenty of overtime. Plus there's other perks too such a staff discount etc...

I couldn't be happier at present as work seems to be really taking off and hard work is starting to pay off.

May/June 2015

Thankfully have finished second year of my fashion degree (for the most part) after my second go at it. This year academically was summed up by a great quote I found the other day 'a year in university is like a Boojum - it starts off promising, but by the end your just trying to keep it from falling apart'.

Practically, my fashion skills for this course (Pattern Making and Sewing) are my weaker areas compared to an academic piece of writing. Therefore I'll probably have to come in in my own time and try to salvage what I have done. That'll be interesting; when I work unsupervised it usually ends up a pure shambles. I could possibly salvage my top but would need to completely redo my skirt (it just is that bad.

I've decided to take advantage of a placement year; I don't think many others in my second year class are availing of this opportunity. Completely understandable too. Many placements are unpaid or may just cover travel. An obvious drawback for alot of people. However I've decided it's still a worthwhile opportunity - many jobs insist on a level or amount of experience and this is one way to gain it and hopefully get a great reference as well!

I think it will help give me time to prepare for final year as well - I seriously need to learn how to Harvard Reference with a dissertation looming in front of me...

April/May 2015

Finally all moved in what seems like a very long two/three weeks. I've said it once before, I'll say it again not moving again. Hahaha.

Of course moving with all intents and purposes was a nightmare. The van man was anything but pleasant and was beyond late. Wasn't impressed at all. Thankfully, all is moved now though I have no idea were anything is or could be.

My immune system is already kicking me when I am down with a throat/flu virus and with final assignments creeping up and roughly only 3 weeks to go before I finish second year it literally could't happen at a worse time. Although in saying that I can still function, just not talk much...

Struggling through by the skin of my teeth it seems but I'm getting a lot further than I got last year (I think so anyway). Wouldn't recommend anyone to move during Easter, it takes over everything and I got very little assignments done. Probably not going to get Stellar results due to this...

March/April 2015

With April fast approaching I'm wondering where this year has went. A lot of change is happening and I'm super excited to be beginning a new chapter. No I'm not pregnant or anything mad like that (I can barely look after myself never mind a child). I'm just moving.

Very spontaneous, granted but very exciting and somewhat terrifying at the same time. The new house is much bigger and offers a lot more compared to what I have at the moment. So it's car trip after car trip trying to lug my belongings over to the new place all the while trying to juggle redecorating (definitely needs a refresh and tidy up). All in all, we'll most likely be in Easter weekend.

As for work it's ebbing at the moment; I am very busy with some potential new clients to begin shortly. Have to admit with everyone being off for Easter break it can throw lessons in to some disarray which can be slightly irritating as I do need some time off for myself; especially with moving...

However I am taking Thursday off to see my family and go to the orthodontics which I'm really looking forward to. I haven't seen them in ages. I also have reduced work time this Saturday and all of Sunday and Monday off.

History of the Shift Dress

The history of the shift dress can be traced back to the 1920’s from the trend of the popular flapper dresses. Dresses of that time period had a simple, defined shape, a loose fit and very little waist definition. This is a contrast to earlier dresses and restrictive styles such as the corset. In the 1920’s flappers wore them with more embellishments such as layers of fringing and beading. Forty years later in the 1960’s, the dresses were given bright, floral prints.

Twenty years after this fabric experimentation began with a jersey fabric and a layering style with a shirt used as an undergarment (this then became termed as a jumper). In the 1990’s the shift dress returned again and became a staple in the working female wardrobe as a business wear piece. From 2000 onwards to the present day the shift dress has become mainstream and is seen as a classic piece updated through trends and seen on the catwalk for many consecutive seasons (both Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter).

The earliest classic knee length shift dresses were introduced in 1957 by designers Cristobal Balenciaga and Hubert de Givenchy in their Parisian collections. Three years later in 1960, fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer designed a print shift dress; further promoting the style. Apparently, Lily (who owned a juice bar) created the dress to hide juice stains on her clothes. She then sold her signature 1960’s shift dress and named it the ‘Lily’. A year later Lily had closed down her juice bar and was selling her dresses full time. Trendsetting of the shift dress involved many influential people including Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, Jackie Kennedy and more recently, Michelle Obama.

The effect of the shift dress in culture and history was significant. The shift dress was seen as a youthful, modern dress which redefined the female shape; which then resulted in the shift dress becoming a symbol of the sexual revolution. The shift dress was both stylish, yet practical for everyday-wear. Named the shift dress as a result of the ‘shift’ in culture.

The shift dress is a usually short dress, with a straight silhouette. The dress is typically sleeveless, the neckline high but contrasts with a short hemline.  

 

February/March 2015

How did you spend your half term? Mine went nowhere even near to plan.

I spent the majority of my half term working (the joys). It seemed that even though I was off class it felt busier than ever. I started new clients and met new people. Overall, quite positive work-wise. I even got to see my mum and dad (who I hadn't seen since last year).

As for assignments, not that great admittedly. I didn't get to Kilroot. However, did manage to rummage around in the Spinning Wheel and Sew and Sew in town for fabric samples. I got a nice plain navy fabric from the Spinning Wheel to add to my scrapbook.

I think even though we're back from our half term break off we're already counting down the days until we are off again. I feel as if I need a holiday away, but know that won't be the case for many months at least. Assignments are due in April or May so not long to go until I am off again!

I am so glad the way things in university have went this year and that I have continued to progress even though life can be mad at times. This year (second year) I get the opportunity to either do a placement year or continue by beginning my final year. I would love the chance to do a placement and went for an interview this week. Most nerve-wrecking thing I've done in awhile.

Fingers crossed I got it!

Elizabeth

xxx

January/February 2015

Literally hate this time of year. I hate cold, rainy, chilly weather and the past few weeks it has been just that. It makes getting out of bed in the morning utterly miserable to do and to walk even to the gym around the corner the most hateful of walks. I find this time of year the hardest both mentally and physically.

Have been back to class since the second week of January (we don't get off most of January like other universities) but it's not long until we're off again for half-term break (the week of Valentine's Day). Today I'm currently off as they have staff training and even more surprisingly even have work off as well. Off course I took full advantage and slept until a little after 12 midday and am not long up.

My plans for my week off? An action packed week of work, assignments, errands and activities! Not really a week off in essence but I go a little bit mad having nothing to do...I plan to go to Kilroot for some fabric browsing/shopping. Apparently, it has a great selection and it will be the perfect place to get fabric sample for my second term sketchbook. This term we are focusing on a menswear project; somewhat out of my comfort zone but will be a good experience (fingers crossed for the sewing part)!

For more fun-filled personal time I plan to go to the Museum in Botanic; I haven't been in months and heard there are some new exhibit installations. I also plan to get to the gym on a daily basis; my diets went to hell and my sweet tooth seems to be over-ruling at the moment. All main meals are actually quite healthy (despite the odd pizza); it's snacks and what I'm drinking that is my downfall at the moment.

As for considering a work placement year for my course, I'm left undecided. I'm finding it somewhat difficult for somewhere that is not solely orientated on sewing (I would not have the patience for it and it's not what I'm considering as a career for the future). Jimmy (our career advisor overseer for this year) gave us a brief talk yesterday and I ended up contacting a few people immediately who interested me; fingers crossed!