I can’t believe that today was our last day in this beautiful city! I don’t want to leave! Today was incredible, and jam-packed with enriching trips. Bright and early we headed to LIM, which was literally a dream come true. The campus is gorgeous, we were able to watch a video of the school’s most recent fashion show (absolutely breathtaking), and they were even sweet enough to serve us a lovely conntinental breakfast.

Here’s a quick break down of some pertinent LIM information:

• 87% of graduates are employed within six months of graduation.
• 41% received a job offer as a direct result of their senior co-op.
• 97% found employment in the Tri-State Area.
• Graduates work throughout the industry: merchandising, buying, retail management, marketing, and visual merchandising…
• Average starting salaries range from $35,000-$44,999.
• Tuition: $23,650 (part-time tuition = $785/credit)
• Housing: $15,850
• Technology fee: $300
• Student Activity fee: $275

The lovely GCC alumna Ashley!

And of course, the gifting of more plaid to the amazing LIM staff members who were kind enough to speak with us!

They even had this wonderful backdrop for tons and tons of selfies!

After LIM we headed to Brandlink Communications to meet with the adorable newlywed alumni, Samantha and Jamie Tyrell. After GCC Samantha attended FIT, where she initially landed an internship with Brandlink. She is now the executive assistant to the owner of the company. Jamie was fortunate enough to put in a stint with the iconic Lacoste company. We were also able to meet with Selmin, the managing director.

The power couple.

And MORE PLAID!!

The three had this advice for us, as we embark on our fashion show production journey:

-Exude confidence, people are willing to trust a confident individual.

– Don’t stress yourself out at the end of the day, always take a step back.

-BE CURIOUS! Everything is always moving so fast. Take inspiration from the world around you!

-Always show how you add value.

-And finally, you never know what information you are going to need, so hoard it all!

Last, but certainly not least in ANY sense, the Steampunk fashion talk at the National Arts Club. I was literally giddy about attending this event. I have been obsessed with Steampunk for about ten years, so this was a dream come true for me. The lecture was presented by Victoriana Lady Lisa, Victorian-Edwardian author/historian/lecturer extraordinaire. I was so excited by this event I even dug up some pictures from when I attended The Steampunk Worlds Fair in 2011.

I bought Lady Lisa’s exquisite book, and she was kind enough to autograph it for me. And I know you were wondering, that luscious hair took 18 years to grow!

Some items in her gorgeous vintage Victorian collection.

Positively drool-worthy.

There were some absolutely stunning outfits!

Ladies, and gentlemen alike.

Now let me show you a quick throwback to the Worlds Fair!

Just looking at some of these outfits makes me want to attend again, so badly…

A friend and I dressed for the Fair way-back-when.

This man hosted a Steampunk fashion event.

Same event, different day.

In between all the action we popped into Tiffany’s (of course), as well as Hermes.

Breakfast at Tiffs! Okay, so it was just after breakfast, but it still counts!

Everything was fabulous, as always.

Jenna spritzing some Tiffany’s perfume. It smelled amazing!

Well, NYC was absolutely amazing, but tomorrow we head back to good old Batavia! I’m happy to be returning to GCC and all of my great classes, but I just can’t wait to return to the city! Farewell for now Manhattan! See you next year!