Undergrad has come to an end...But its FOREVER LSU!

In June 2009, I made my triumphant return to college. After sitting out of school for nearly 4 years, I officially became an LSU Tiger. I walked on campus (got lost!) and felt proud to be there. I was so excited to begin my journey as a Fashion Merchandising major. I was ready to see what LSU had in store for me. Now, its May 11,2012 and I am officially done with my undergraduate degree. I took my very last final this week and I am now awaiting graduation (7 days!). Can you believe it? One week until graduation.

Signing my Senior Checkout papers

I still remember my very first class, Intro to Fashion Design. I learned about colors, sketching, and fashion figures. I even designed my first "line". I still have that project on the wall of my room.

                                                                   My 1st Project
During my time at LSU, I got to put my love of drawing and fashion to use, created business plans, designed bridal gowns, designed/set up a merchandise display window, tailgated, enjoyed music & free food at Fall Fest, saw a real live Tiger just a few feet away from me (Hey Mike! Lol), hung out with a fake tiger (our mascot lol), took part in any Alabama/Roll Tide slander, and got to work fashion shows. Last but not least, I got to go to New York for the very first time! I experienced much more than I ever imagined!

                                                            Bridal Gown I designed

                                                     Business Plan (Final Project of Senior Year)

                                                               Display Window

                                           Mannequins I helped dress for a Fashion Show

                                                              New York Trip
  Over the last three years I have learned so much, met so many great people and have had an enormous amount of opportunities come in to my life. Even though I cried a lot and threatened to drop out (again lol), I will always cherish my time at LSU. However, I wont cherish the memories of walking across that extremely large campus in the heat/rain/cold, struggling to find a parking spot, forgetting where I parked in the large parking lots, and buying $150 textbooks to only get $30 back when I return them. LOL


I pushed through the tough times and I finally after all the blood, sweat & tears, Ive made it to the finish line! Im no longer an LSU student but I will always be a Tiger! FOREVER LSU!

Love,
Coco

Thank You For Your Opinion

Someone told me recently that they think my degree in Fashion Merchandising will be worthless once I graduate next month. They actually said the word WORTHLESS. Had that person told me that about a year ago, I would've started thinking "Is my degree worthless?" "Will I get a job?" "Did I waste my time/money?"

However, I have been in such a good place recently that my response to that was "Thank you for your opinion." I did not let the negativity get to me. Instead, I put it in the same pile as the rest of the negative comments I've received in the last few years. If I listened to everyone that said something negative (i.e. "You're not going to go back to school" "Grad school is not an option for you", etc.) then I would be sitting at home, in my room, drowning in my sorrow like I was a few years ago when I was suffering with depression and an anxiety disorder. I was able to pull myself out of depression and function in society despite an anxiety disorder. I'm pretty sure I can do whatever I put my mind to and I have! As Mary Mary says in their new song Go Get It:

                   Can't be mad at the things you've been through, 'cuz they built your muscle
                   Now you're stronger than you've ever been, they can't stop your hustle

Opinion "I don't think you're going back to school."  
My response: In June 2009, after sitting out from college since September 2005, I started my second shot at college. Now, April 2012, I am less than four weeks away from graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Apparel Merchandising.

Opinion "I don't think grad school is an option for you" or "I dont think you should go to grad school"
My response: In January of this year I was accepted into Liberty University's (located in Virginia) online Masters program. On May 14th I will begin my Masters studies in Human Services: Executive Leadership.

Opinion "I think you're going to give up this 'celibacy' thing before you reach a year"
My response: May 8th will make three and a half years of celibacy for me.

Opinion "You won't stick to your religion. Why are you going through the Confirmation process?"
My response: Made my confirmation the day before Easter of 2011 and have continued to work on my relationship with God ever since. Have I stumbled? Yes. Did I get back on and on the good path with God leading the way? ABSOLUTELY. 

I look negativity in the face and laugh now. I have an amazing amount of confidence in myself that I never thought I would have. I have a support system that has my back through all of my ups and downs. I have a God that has seen me through the dark times and brought light and happiness back into my life. I cannot and will not let the Devil spew his doubts into my mind through the words of so-called friends, family and strangers. Believing any of that nonsense would be disrespectful to my supporters and my God. That will not happen.

Oh and in case the person that said my degree is worthless reads this:
The fashion industry has an annual revenue of over $150 billion. Also, an article stated "the global fashion apparel industry is one of the most important sectors of the economy in terms of investment, revenue, trade and employment generation all over the world". I don't know what your opinion of worthless is, but that doesn't sound very worthless to me. And thank you for your opinion. :-)

Be blessed!

Love,
Coco

Spring Break Is Over...Now Finish Strong

     I had 10 days of freedom recently! I was excited about doing absolutely nothing! I slept until lunch time just about every day. I enjoyed not having an alarm set. The only days my alarm was set were Sundays because I had to go to church. Spring Break doesnt mean Church break! Easter Sunday I got dressed up and attended noon mass. Much to my surprise, I saw my grandmother at that mass! After mass, I relaxed and ate some of the amazing meal of BBQ ribs, baked macaroni, green peas, and potato salad that my mom prepared. Overall, it was a good Easter and a good start to my Spring Break.

As I mentioned in my previous post, my mind never lets me be completely lazy. Even though I slept until noon, within an hour of being awake I was usually writing posts for my fashion blog, working on school assignments, painting, cleaning my room or re-organizing my closets. My mind was going a million miles a minute! I got a lot accomplished, so I'm not complaining.

My New Painting & New Life Motto

My Re-organized Closet

Coco's Chaos Tee I made

I waited until two days before class started back to actually really get out of the house. My best friend Whitney asked me to go to the Strawberry Festival in Ponchatoula on Saturday. I was tempted to change my mind abou going, but my Mom said "I want you to get out and have some fun", so I decided to go. I'm glad that I did! The Strawberry Festival was very...interesting. LOL The fashionista in me was just overwhelmed by all of the less than flattering wardrobe choices. I wanted to pull out my Fashion Police badge and write out citations for violating fashion rules! However, I just decided to laugh at it all and enjoy the sights and sounds of the fest. I bought some really sweet and delicious strawberries, tasted strawberry wine (I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars) and strawberry tequila (5 out of 5 stars!), and tasted cherry italian ice for the first time. Overall, it was a good outing.




Me, my bff Whit & her friend Tanisha


We had so much fun walking around the Strawberry Fest that we decided to take the drive to New Orleans to walk around at the French Quarter Fest. We had fun listening to music, eating BBQ shrimp po-boys, walking around the Quarter and seeing old friends/classmates. We even stopped at Cafe Du Monde to get beignets.
Sidebar: When did beignets go up to $2.65 an order? What happened to the days of them being $1.10? I was very upset about that price. Still bought the beignets though and they were worth the $2.65! LOL

On Sunday, I ended up back in New Orleans for another trip to the French Quarter Fest. This time I was with my family. I spent the entire day at a second line and the French Quarter Fest with my mom, stepdad, cousins, my goddaughter, aunts and my friend Megan. We walked around, danced, laughed and just enjoyed our time together. I was so excited to see them all. It doesnt happen often, so I really cherished those moments. It was the best way to end a Spring Break! :-)

Me, My Mom, My Stepdad, Cousins & Aunts

Me & Megan (aka The Tall & The Small)

Today, I went back to class. I am now extremely focused on graduating and finishing strong. We have 14 days of class left before finals. 14 days. I cannot believe I only have 14 days of class left until I will finish my undergraduate degree. I cant think about it too much or I'll start to tear up! So, moving on! LOL

I have an 8-10 page paper, a business plan, 3 online quizzes, an analysis of textiles, a comprehensive final and a test due/scheduled between now and the last day of class to keep me occupied. Then I have two more finals the week after classes end. Two days after I finish my final undergrad final, I start grad school online. Then four days after that, I GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE! This next month will be pretty busy and eventful for me. I am so excited about it all and I feel so truly blessed to be accomplishing goals. I cannot wait to celebrate my success with my family and friends on May 18th. I'm looking forward to sharing that big day with all the people that have supported me on this journey. 32 days.

Love,
Coco

Good Friday, Good Mood & Good Life!

I’ve been a busy little bee these last couple weeks! There’s less than a month of school left (does happy dance) so the professors are starting to pile on the assignments. I haven’t gotten overwhelmed though. I finish assignments well before the time they are due and stay up on upcoming tests/projects. I refuse to let LSU stress me out in my final semester!

                                                          (as of April 6, 2012)

Besides school, I have been doing a lot of DIY projects as gifts or possible centerpieces for my graduation dinner party. I even made a #FreeSeanPayton t-shirt because of the bounty scandal!  I have spent a lot of time in Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann Fabrics! LOL Doing those projects actually helped me to wind down after doing all my school assignments. I enjoyed the challenge of new projects and loved seeing my finished products.

                                                           #FreeSeanPayton

                                   (tutus I made for my goddaughter and my little cousin)

I have also been busy writing fashion blog posts for the Strawberri Curls blog. Recently my posts have gotten a lot of attention from people all over the world. I had a fashion graphics and branding company based in London message me that they enjoyed my writing and that I am a talented writer! Yesterday I had a company that sells designer shoes for taller women with larger shoe sizes message me about doing a guest post on their fashion blog! A few weeks ago I wanted to give up fashion blogging, but I decided to give it one more try. Thank God I did! I have been humbled by all of the positive responses I’ve gotten from people and the people that are asking me for fashion advice now. I love writing and I love fashion, so being able to do both and have them appreciated is just a blessing.

Now I am officially on my last Spring Break as an undergrad (tear)! I plan to get some rest and just enjoy a few days without running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I will write a few blog posts and start on a paper that’s due in a few weeks though. Y’all know I can’t completely take a full week off! My mind won’t let me! LOL

I am in a really good place right now and I love it. Every day I wake up and read the inspirational messages from Joel Osteen, I am back in church on a regular basis, and I am praying and praising God every day. The message from Joel today really struck a chord with me and I thought I’d share a portion of it. It really spoke to what I am experiencing right now.

God is saying “I’ve got resurrection power. I can give you one break that will thrust you to a new level. I can open up doors that no man can shut. I can bring talent out of you that you didn’t know you had. I can cause people, for no reason, to go out of their way to want to be good to you.” You part is to keep believing, knowing that He wants to bring you into supernatural increase.

Have a Happy Easter!

     (yes, I made those bunny ears! Glue, an old headband, pipecleaners and construction paper!)

-Coco   

Whats Up With Coco?

Halfway through my final semester of undergrad! (insert applause and cheers here) I am counting down the days and keeping my eye on the prize! Business plans, papers and tests have kept my mind going! Im telling you, I am so ready to have that degree handed to me on May 18th. All my blood, sweat, and tears (literally) will finally seem worth it. I already have my cap, gown, graduation dress/shoes, and I am currently planning the after-graduation celebration! I. AM. READY!

          7 weeks of class left & 70 days til graduation!

Yesterday I was able to register for my first 3 grad school classes! That was surreal. Grad school definitely was not on my "To-Do" list! However, the closer I got to my last semester, the more I realized I still needed to learn more so that I could feel more prepared for the "real world". Well, that extra learning will begin on May 14th. Yes, 4 days before my undergrad graduation I will begin grad school. No break for me! Thats okay. I'll rest when I get to where I want to be!

Recently I took some cap/gown pictures with my sister Kelly. We did it for our mom. She really wanted to see both of her girls in their graduation cap/gowns and she wanted photographs of it. We took some individual photos and some together. The pictures came out so well. We really loved them. My mom cried and couldnt stop smiling. You could see how proud she was. Seeing her look that happy, made that day so much more special for me. 

I had some free time today and finally got around to making the Saints pillow Ive been promising my mom for months! LOL I even made one for my sister. I went to the new Jo-Ann fabric store that opened today and got the fabric and pillow stuffing. It took me less than a half an hour to make both pillows! I'm getting pretty good at this sewing thing, if I shall say so myself! I also created something else for the very first time, but I cannot share it yet because its a gift! I will share in about a week or so! Lets just say, I am tu tu excited about it! :-)

Love,
Coco

P.S.
Check out  Mrs. A's Boutique! Cute and affordable tops, dresses and accessories for all women! Click the name to be taken to the online boutique! :-)

Put Some Spring In Your Step

Even though it won’t officially be spring for another month, the warm weather we are experiencing is making everyone shed their winter wardrobe and step out in spring & summer friendly looks. I’m a little reluctant because I like to wait until the official first day of spring to bring out my sandals and shorts. However, I am already looking at various stores, websites, and catalogs for the latest spring and summer shoe styles. The new styles are tempting me to throw my boots and closed-toe shoes to the back of the closet and bring out my sandals!

I would seriously go broke if I bought every pair of new shoes that I have loved recently. Fortunately, I am able to display some restraint and just love them from afar. Here are a few of the styles that I was tempted by and the websites/brands whose new spring/summer styles are worth checking out if you are updating your shoe collection! 

This zig-zag heel is EVERYTHING! Makes what would otherwise be a basic black sandal, into a showstopper!    Resort Henkei Heel $64 www.patriciafield.com

I love leopard print & Colin Stuart. So, I was immediately drawn to these sassy sandals!   Colin Stuart Scarf Thong Sandal $65 www.victoriassecret.com

I love the colors, the cutouts and the wedge!   Two Lips Cut-Out Wedge Sandal $115 www.victoriassecret.com

Love the print and heel height! Very spring and lots of fun!   Fawnna Gladiator Sandal by Jessica Simpson $98 www.jessicasimpsoncollection.com

I actually have the heeled version of this shoe in a different color. I was nervous about the tassels but they actually don’t disrupt your strut (if you tie them the right way!).   Colin Stuart Ankle-Tassel Sandal $68 www.victoriassecret.com

Check out the new styles from these stores/brands:

www.victoriassecret.com

www.bcbg.com

www.stevemadden.com

www.jessciasimpsoncollection.com

www.dvf.com

www.dsw.com

Love,

Coco

My Life Right Now

I am currently a month into my last semester as an undergrad! I just cannot stop thanking God enough for bringing me this far. There was a time that I did not want to return to college. Now, Im 3 months away from graduating! I cannot believe it. I got my cap and gown on Valentine's Day and nearly cried when I tried it on. Its all becoming real for me. I am going to be accomplishing one of my major goals soon. Thats nothing but God's work! 

Also on Valentine's Day, I received a Valentine gift from my mom and my stepdad. My mom knocked on my door at midnight and when I opened it, there was a huge card and a gift sitting there. The next morning I found another card and some Valentine's M&Ms from my stepdad. Later in the day, my sister and I surprised my mom with her favorite cake and some lunch and surprised my stepdad with his favorite pie and a card. It was a great day! I felt extremely loved. 

I am a 6 foot tall woman, so I hear the question "Are you a model?" almost on a daily basis. For years, I've said "Umm, no", but now I can say "I've modeled before". Yes, I finally decided to step outside of my comfort and do a fashion show. I was asked to model some bridal gowns for Gabrielle's Bridal during a bridal expo recently. I was hesitant but then decided to just go for it. I am so glad that I did. I had such a great time and enjoyed being in the spotlight for awhile! The quick changes and the beautiful gowns/dresses, the music... it was all so much fun. I was asked to do more shows in the future and I agreed without a hint of hesitation. It wasn't a haute couture, high fashion  show or anything but it was still a fashion show. So now, Im going to call myself a model. No one can stop that from happening. Tyra Banks, Kimora Lee, Adriana Lima, and ME. *snaps* 

Nicole Miller Bridal

Blue by Enzoani 

                                                               Bridesmaids Dress

Justin Alexander 

Giving my audience a little fierceness LOL 

                                                              
Up next is Mardi Gras. I only plan to go to one parade to see my mom riding on a float. Im just dont do parades too much anymore. The thought of struggling to find a parking spot, standing in a crowd for hours, being pushed for cheap trinkets, and the smell of horse droppings is just too much. I just cant even deal. However, I will put that aside for a little while in order to see my mom. She's worth it! 


Hope everyone has a good weekend and Mardi Gras!


p.s. Another post right after this for NYFW! 


Love,
Coco