Jamie Edwards and her Purple Briefcase

Standard

On the GCC website in the section for Career Services, it says this, “In support of Genesee Community College’s mission and vision, Career Services is committed to providing assistance in navigating career and educational planning. Our office develops and sustains positive relationships with students, alumni, faculty, staff, employers, and our community members. These meaningful partnerships, in addition to customized educational experiences, are designed to coach, prepare, and support individuals to become a career confident citizen in the global work environment.” The key phrase from that statement was, “Our office develops and sustains positive relationships with students and faculty,” and their office was doing just that by Jamie Edwards, a Career Services Specialist, coming into Mr. Dudkowski’s Professional Sales class this past Friday to talk with our class.

Freshman, Kourtney Shearer, invited Jamie to come in and speak with our Professional Sales class about Career Services and what they do. Doing this presentation was a way for the Career Service office to develop and sustain positive relationships’ with the students in the class along with the fabulous, Professor Dudkowski. Jamie had a wealth of knowledge that she shared with our class about the services available to students and how we can best take advantage of the wonderful opportunities offered to us by Career Services.

There is so many opportunities offered by this office. One of them being Purple Briefcase. This is an amazing website for any GCC student to participate in. This website allows you to create a visual resume. You can virtually get in contact with businesses who participate with Purple Briefcase and explore the job opportunities around in a efficient manner. Along with the resume there is other parts to the website, such as the job bulletin, that allows you to search through all available job posts. You can easily apply and learn about the company by clicking on there posted profile. Also there are career tests you can take which will evaluate your strengths. weaknesses, and interests to narrow your career choices to ones that best fit you.

The information Jamie provided us was invaluable and will definitely help GCC students apply and get jobs or internships during and after their GCC career. Along with Purple Briefcase, Jamie’s job responsibilities include, but are not limited too:

  • Providing career orientation, job placement, and the advisement of students and community members
  • Coordinating job placement functions including job fairs, maintain a job bank, and employer on campus recruitment
  • Designing and implementing workshops, career networking events, and opportunities for students that promote career exploration and job search strategies

After Jamie presented the information, we were able to ask her questions about the programs and her job. A student asked what her favorite part of her job was and her response was, “working with the students.” A great response to go along with a fantastic presentation!

Guest Contributor Kourtney Shearer

Domestic Violence Awareness: Breaking the Silence at G.C.C.

Standard

The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Students and staff from G.C.C. and other SUNY colleges have been wearing purple and setting up educational demonstrations this month in effort to break the silence of Domestic Violence at their schools.

Today, at Genesee Community College, students are in IMG_4306the Forum painting nails, selling purple Domestic Violence Tees, cupcakes, and chocolate bars, giving students the opportunity to write messages  about why Love Should Not Hurt, and giving out prizes to “spin the wheel” game participants.

The price of a Tee is $7, and the price of purple socks are $5. Cupcakes, purple necklaces, and the chance to win a prize by spinning a wheel are all just 25 cents each. 100% of the proceeds goes to the local Domestic Violence Shelter.

IMG_4280

If you are being abused, whether mental, physical, or emotional,  by anyone, whether by a friend, acquaintance, family member, or stranger, please speak up and tell someone. Get help for yourself. You are not someone who deserves to be mistreated.

IMG_4294 IMG_4292 IMG_4290 IMG_4279 IMG_4277IMG_4302IMG_4272

If you know someone who is being abused in anyway (read above) please get help for that person. Respect their right to privacy, but at the very least be a supportive person in their life by reminding them that they are unique, special, and that they don’t deserve to get hurt.

When I asked one of the students why she volunteered to help out with Domestic Violence they said, “Well, no one asked us to get up here and do this, but I want to be a voice that encourages people to speak out about Domestic Violence, and let them know they don’t need to be ashamed.”

IMG_4311

The students will be out there until 4pm today, so please go and support! In doing so, your doing your part in stopping domestic violence.

IMG_4299 IMG_4287 IMG_4274 IMG_4270 IMG_4269 IMG_4268 IMG_4265

Calling all Dapper Dans for Dandy Day!

Standard

Bust out the minks, and wax your mustaches GCC! You’re in for a dazzling treat! On Wednesday, October 28, at 1 p.m. the ever elegant Rose Callahan will be on campus for “Dandy Day!” For those who may not be quite up to snuff on their men about town trivia, here’s a quick (by no means definitive)  definition of  a dandy:

dan·dy

n.pl.dan·dies

1. A man who affects extreme elegance in clothes and manners; a fop.
2. Something very good or agreeable.

Dandy Lion: (Re)Articulating Black Masculine Identity exhibit opening photographed by Rose Callahan on April 9, 2015 in Chicago at the Museum of Contemporary Photography

Rose Callahan is a photographer and filmmaker based in Brooklyn NY, and runs a fabulous blog entitled The Dandy Portraits: The Lives of Exquisite Gentlemen Today. Go take a gander at it, I promise it won’t disappoint! She is also co-author of the delectable book “I am Dandy: The Return of the Elegant Gentleman.” 
dandy_front

About The Dandy Portraits

“The Dandy Portraits began in early 2008 as I started to meet gentlemen who had exceptional personal style. Their “extreme elegance” seemed to be the present day expression of The Dandy.Dandyism has been a passionately debated topic since it’s beginning in late 18th century England and France. Today, the question, “What is a dandy?” has no simple answer, and I do not claim to have the last word. Rather, this is a very personal exploration of dandyism – in it’s “infinite variety” – thru the gentlemen I have had the pleasure of meeting. With each new portrait comes more curiosity, and the realization that a true dandy is a rare thing indeed.” -Rose Callahan

Once again, she will visit Genesee Community College on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 1 p.m. for an afternoon that includes an hour long presentation, a Q&A opportunity, an autograph session and a special Dress Like A Dandy Contest.

All students, staff, and attending community members are ENCOURAGED to dress the part, and don their most fiendishly foppish apparel! The top five contestants deemed most elegant, stylish and sophisticated by a panel of GCC judges will win an autographed copy of Callahan’s book. So don’t hold back, and dress to impress! oscar-wilde-quote-fridge-magnet-1_large

Oh and don’t forget, The new official GCC women’s scarfs and men’s neck and bow ties are now on sale for just $20 each by contacting GCC’s Fashion Business office at 585-345-6830. These lovely accessories are 100% silk, high quality, and yet highly affordable. They would add the perfect touch to any dandy ensemble.image

Inspiration Around Every Corner

Standard

1

While exploring the streets of New York City, I came across a building featuring an inspirational quote (pictured above) encouraging residents and travelers to become inspired by their surroundings and to create something new; whether it has to do with fashion, architecture, or music. Inspiration can be found around every corner, especially in a city as eclectic and vibrant as The Big Apple.
As a fashion merchandising major, the fashion aspect of the quote really stuck with me throughout my time in New York City. While walking the coveted Fifth Avenue and observing the window displays, this quote kept making its way into my mind. Each and every store on Fifth Avenue displayed garments that reflected the metropolitan reputation for which New York City is known. Monochromatic window displays were the current trend, as stores mainly featured all black outfits, with pops of reds (such as the Versace window displays) and neutral hues (such as Burberry). There was also a notable presence of metallic gold, specifically in the Christian Louboutin windows, which featured several displays of their new lipstick collection. With imaginative backdrops which included oversized lipsticks hanging as if they were ornaments, in addition to being featured on the quills of a peacock. The window featuring the peacock was an interactive display, which allowed those passing by, the opportunity to become part of the display, where their face would become the face on the peacock (by the use of a vanity mirror). In another series of window displays by Christian Louboutin, the public was given an inside look into the designing process of their signature red-soled heel. I found their windows to be the most artistic and inspirational. The window displays at Christian Louboutin, to me, represented the excitement, the imagination, and the inspiration that can be found around every corner.

2

3

4

5

6

Guest Post by Morgan Ripley

Music that Keeps me Going

Standard

Sometimes, life is hard, other times it’s awesome. It’s easy to keep your hopes held high and a positive attitude when things are going smoothly. But what do you do when you feel down and out for the count? One of the things I like to do is listen to music that picks up my spirit, gets me dancing, and keeps me motivated. Here are a few of my favorite albums:

Daft Punk, Discovery & Homework

71bsHTr6idL._SL1500_ Homework - Daft Punk

Andy Mineo, Uncomfortable

10523508_126881927648454_517890653_nmaxresdefault

Stevie Wonder, The Secret Life of Plants

262c8f1837cd4bd760d92cd548df4872.953x953x1

Jesus Culture: Reconstructed… that’s right Christian Techno. Boom!

Jesusculturereconstructedvol1JesusCulture_250

Janelle Monae, Metropolis & Archandriod

51ZNWNlUDqLARCHANDROID_COVER

Lecrae, Rehab

Rehab_overdoselecrae_article1-300x242

Britt Nicole, Gold

81KWqOtHdVL._SL1500_2c31483d254b69397fa79ce61999ede9

Danny Gokey, Hope in Front of Me

91-aydHY-qL._SL1500_

I hope you get a chance to listen to some of these songs, and I hope you are keeping your head held high, as the semester continues to roll on. Peace.

Our Last Day In The City!

Standard

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.

image

image

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

image

The lovely GCC alumna Ashley!

image

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

image

image

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

image

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.

image

The power couple.

image

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.

image

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!

image

Some items in her gorgeous vintage Victorian collection.

image

Positively drool-worthy.

image

There were some absolutely stunning outfits!

image

Ladies, and gentlemen alike.

image

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

image

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

image

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

image

This man hosted a Steampunk fashion event.

image

Same event, different day.

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

image

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

image

Everything was fabulous, as always.

image

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

image

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!

Day Two in NYC! So much excitement!

Standard

Today began with our first field trip to Tommy Hilfiger. We met with the lovely and talented alumni of the Fashion Business Merchandising program, Kristyna and Conner, and were also fortunate enough to meet with the design manager for the handbag team. After graduating from the GCC program Kristyna and Conner attended Buffalo State University, and LIM, respectively. Kristyna stumbled upon a posting on Indeed.com for Tommy Hilfiger interns, and Conner was alerted to the position via LIM. The rest, as they say, is history. The two have been with Hilfiger ever since. They primarily deal with ad campaigns, showrooms, and launches, and work to ensure the consistency of art and design messages. Leah, the design manager, graduated from Cornell’s fashion program, and then but in stints with Betsey Johnson as well as Coach before arriving at Tommy Hilfiger. She explained that her team relieves seasonal briefs detailing the aesthetic of a collection, and the work begins from there. They draw inspiration from everywhere, and seek to filter trendy elements of high fashion, down to mass appeal. All while maintaining the signature “Tommy” look.

image

A group shot in the fabulous lobby!

image

Kristyna and Conner being gifted GCC plaid accessories. This plaid, developed by a student is currently undergoing the process of being registered as an official plaid in Scotland! Incredibly exciting!

The two were kind enough to give us some advice regarding our upcoming fashion show, this show’s theme being “Fashion Is…”

*Work Well Together

*Have A Clear Vision

*Learn How To Manage Time

*Communicate Clearly

*And Be Willing To Work!!

image

Our next stop was to the beautiful new Buffalo David Bitton Showrooms, to meet with PR Director Diane Alexander. Her job is trying to bring widespread awareness to the Buffalo brand, primarily through ad campaigns, working with bloggers, and use of social media. She allowed us to take pictures of the gorgeous Buffalo merchandise (literally denim heaven), and educated us about the company as well. They sell to all of the major retailers, as well as Amazon, and men’s apparel comprises 60% of their business. She loves fresh ideas, and is always looking for interns!

image

She was of course gifted a lovely GCC plaid scarf.

image

A Buffalo designer hard at work…

image

And a student soaking it all in.

After our Buffalo trip, the last scheduled event for the day, my roommates and I decided to do lunch at Eataly. It was phenomenal!

image

The restaurant is just a small segment of this immense Italian market, offering everything from Italian cookbooks, to giant wheels of cheese!

image

I had calamari pasta, and it was everything I could have wished for, and then some.

Next we headed to Urban Outfitters, conveniently located very close to the hotel.

image

I always love looking at the displays in these stores, very edgy and well, “urban.”

image

They even carried Lime Crime cosmetics, a favorite brand of mine!

image

image

I had been dying to try their latest product, velvetines for a long time, so I happily picked one up! I’ll have to let you know how it performed, tomorrow!

image

Next stop was the lavish Ralph Lauren flagship store. This building is literally what dreams are made of.

image

The displays were simply amazing! Every room told its own story.

image

We took in the sights in Times Square for a while in the late evening, and then headed back to the hotel to recharge our phone batteries, and our internal ones. We then had the fun idea to do some Steampunk henna, in preparation of our exciting Steampunk event tomorrow night!

image

Some lovely “Henna by Jenna.”

Now it’s time to call it a night, as our trip to LIM is bright and early tomorrow! I can’t wait!

Continue reading

Day One in NYC!

Standard

Wow! We are finally here! After arriving at the hotel ahead of schedule, we were free to hit the town! Our first stop was Times Square to purchase some phenomenally priced tickets to The Phantom of the Opera, only my favorite show ever! Then we headed over to Rockefeller Center, did a quick lap around, drooled over an amazing chocolate store, and then headed over to Saks Fifth Avenue to soak up some fashion inspiration. It was paradise, as always.

image

By the Rainbow Room where fans wait eagerly to be on The Tonight Show.

image

Chocolate, chocolate everywhere, at La Maison Du Chocolat.

image

My personal favorites are the macarons however.

image

Saks!!

image

The visual displays were to die for!

image

A lovely Alexander McQueen display.

image

Gucci purses

image

Oscar de la Renta gowns. Gorgeous textures.

image

I absolutely loved this Moschino coat.

image

Who am I kidding, I loved the WHOLE Moschino collection!

image

And of course, Agent Provocateur.

image

Look!! Our Phantom tickets!! I could literally watch this show every night for a year, and sob every time. If you haven’t seen it, you really need to. But honestly, just attend any Broadway show, at least once! You won’t regret it!

image

Outside the theatre. It was the perfect night for a show, so warm!

image

The fabulous stage! Can I live here?

image

Well, that’s about all for today! I can’t wait to update you on all the excitement that tomorrow brings! First stop, Tommy Hilfiger trip! But for now, off to sleep!

Staying Healthy in the Cold

Standard

The weather is changing and soon it will become less convenient for me to go outside for a bike ride, which is one of my favorite forms of exercise. I have already begun to spend more time indoors, and soon, all I will desire is to be warm, cozy, and full ; hibernating in my free time. That is what I usually do during the winter, but this season has to be different for me. I am not interested in gaining any of the weight back that I lost by being a sweaty busy summer bee. So here are Practical & Simple things I will be doing for the remainder of fall and duration of winter in order to stay healthy and continue my weight loss project.

  1. Avoid getting sick by staying warm28-cool-winter-hats-that-will-keep-you-warm1 Wear hats to protect your head, wear a scarf to cover your neck and nose, and avoid the freeze by covering your ears.
  2. Join a Gym – I was told that working out in the winter is better than working out in the summer, because it warms you up when your body really appreciates it. If you live at College Village, go to the Fitness Center!
  3. Drink Tea! – Drinking green tea is great for loosing weight. But avoid sugary products and brew your own. Try drinking it without any sweeteners, but if it’s just too bland add a little bit of honey.
  4. Sleep – Sleep is essential to keep you immune system functioning properly.
  5. lack-of-sleep2Drink Water – Most people think you only need to worry Camelbak-Better-Bottle-7-18184Pabout your water intake during the summer but you need to worry about it during the winter too. We tend not to be as thirsty in the winter, and dehydrate much easier. So drink up! Buy bottled water or keep a water bottle with you at all times.
  6. Last but certainly not least, Don’t over eat – This can be hard during the winter because some people associate being cozy with being full and that’s an association that needs to break. Over eating sometimes makes you fall asleep because your body need to use most of it’s energy to digest that big portion of food. Eating is smaller portions is healthier and
    snacking on healthy foods is better for you. the-itisI will be drinking green tea and sometimes hot coco, and snacking on dried fruits and nuts. I treat myself by eating ice cream for dessert, but I limit myself to 1/2 a cup per serving, and I try to buy a low calorie or sugar-free Ice cream.

Keep up the good work everyone and I hope you are all blessed with good health this season!!! Until next time!

bar-brothers-Immune-system

Working the Wine Walk, at Charles Men’s Shop

Standard

On Saturday, October 3rd, I was fortunate enough to be invited to help Charles Men’s Shop work the annual Batavia Wine Walk. It was a marvelous event, and I could not believe the turn out!

For those of you who may not know, Charles Men’s Shop, family owned and operated since 1947, is Batavia’s number one choice for fine men’s clothing. Located at 200 E Main St., Charles Men’s Shop is your store when you are searching for personal and professional service, and the finest in menswear brands. In addition, they have long been known for their expertise in big and tall and hard to fit gentlemen.

b22a248241cd76c1b0c7c9baf6f3d56e_400x400I was not able to leave my post, but my family was kind enough to provide me with some pictures of all the hustle and bustle.


Just look at this huge line waiting to get in Charles Men’s Shop! It was amazing! Maggie (my co-greeter) and myself had all we could do to keep up with everyone!image

Don Brown, the VP of the store posing with the most popular man of the night. This scarecrow was Selfie Central.imageThe adorable Maggie, whom I just met that night, and am greatly looking forward to working with in the future.image

  And a very sly picture taken of me through the store window. image

Even this Batavia Downs Gaming promotional vehicle was spotted on the scene.image

Local staff at Oakfield-Alabama Central School thoroughly enjoying the event.image

Nearly 700 tickets were sold for the Wine Walk this year, and the turnout was incredible despite the rain! Perhaps the weather just added to the cozy Fall atmosphere. Thank you very much for having me Charles Men’s Shop, and thanks for arranging the whole fantastic opportunity Mrs. Ehrhart! I would be overjoyed to help out next year, and in any way I can until then.