From 2015 to 2018, I worked with the fashion house Oscar de la Renta. For the entirety of the three years I was an Archive intern, but I also spent a summer at the HQ working in the Global Communications and Public Relations Department. During those three years, I learned about the remarkable history of Oscar de la Renta, awaited anxiously every season to see what beautiful couture garments the fashion house was going to release, and experienced more than I would had ever hoped. First and foremost, I want to say that, I have put sharing my experiences at Oscar de la Renta on the back burner for a year now. I was struggling to find the words because the person who gave me this incredible experience isn’t here to share this story with me. In 2017, Archivist to Oscar de la Renta, mother, wife, and incredible friend to many, Marianna Sheridan, passed away from breast cancer. Not only was Marianna my first boss but she and I became close friends through traveling and working together. She completely transformed the idea of who I aspired to be one day. I had never met someone as extraordinary as her. Marianna oozed grace, class, intelligence, wit, and charm. Whenever she walked into a room, everyone knew she was present, was extremely attentive to her, and loved and adored her spirit. None of this would have been possible without her. Marianna took a chance on this sixteen-year-old girl. What was supposed to simply be a talk with her over coffee so that she could tell me about her work as the Archivist at Oscar de la Renta, ended in her asking me if I would be her intern. If you knew my dreamer-like heart at sixteen years old, not even I could have come up with such a dream. Those three years made my life so special. I will forever cherish those moments I was lucky to share with Marianna. Growing up and learning from the fashion house but, especially, Marianna, helped to shape who I am today. Today, it’s still hard for me to find all the words to share with you. But I’m going to try… Prior to working in the archive, I didn’t really know what an archive was. So, for those of you who may not know exactly what it is: An archive is a collection of historical documents, items, or records providing information about a place, institution, or group of people. Right after our initial meeting over coffee with Marianna, we went straight to work. My first task was organizing and categorizing photographs that were precious to Oscar’s history; such as his family, his hometown and country, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Not only did I fall in love with the gowns but also the person who started it all: Oscar. From clothes to perfume to kitchenware to shoes to handbags to children ware to jewelry and more, Oscar created a fashion empire. Based off of his Dominican Republican roots. Regarding the work we did, I would describe it as solving a puzzle – you piece together different parts of a collection and once you are done researching, you are able to categorize, date, and add it in writing to the database. I ended up falling in love with this archival process. Going back into history to piece together an incredible story and then work to help share that history to others was an honor. We would work with the fashion company itself and talk with the designers who wanted inspiration to create their new collection. But we would also work with museums to create exhibitions and galas. However, my favorite part of it all was traveling to New York once every season to select specific gowns to store in the archive. This way, if a museum or a magazine wanted to photograph or exhibit an item, we were able to have one handy. Marianna and I traveled working with exhibitions from all over the world. From working alongside former Vogue Editor, Andre Leon Talley, to create his famous DeYoung exhibitions based in San Francisco, CA to having Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) come to the Archive for a story on the Archive. Marianna Sheridan created the platform that was needed to share Oscar’s history and work. She made a masterpiece that will forever be remembered and cherished by many. Those three years were unforgettable and special years of my life. Today, I still pinch myself in disbelief that I lived it all. I will never forget this experience and will forever hold near all that I have learned at Oscar de la Renta and, of course, my dear friend and icon Marianna Sheridan.
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Jane Birkin was an English actress, singer and songwriter based in France. Her 60s chic outfits included mini dresses, white button down shirts paired with bell-bottom jeans and ballet flats. She always gave off an effortless vibe to any outfit. Women all over the world still look up to her as a fashion icon. She's one of my favorite style icons. Because of her timeless look, I try to embody her style into my everyday looks. Take a look at some of her signature look. Below I have added pieces that you can wear today channeling her timeless style. Xo, N Click the images below, they will guide you to the stores website. I have discovered that the more I travel and meet new people, the more I understand that the best things in life aren't “things.” For me the best things in life are waking up in the morning and living another day. I am grateful to be able to spend time with my elders, and listen to the stories that their family has passed on to them. It's being able to laugh endlessly with your family and friends, and realizing how lucky you are to have them in your life. It's being able to watch the sunrise and sunset every day, and not know what color the sky will be that night.
This past week I went to the mountains in North Carolina. The mountains are hands down my favorite thing about North Carolina. On Thursday we dedicated the whole day to hiking. We went to different waterfalls. Then on our way back we drove on the Blue Ridge Parkway and watched the sunset. Here are some pictures from visiting Mingo Falls in North Carolina. xo, N I can't believe a month has already flown by in New York City. This city is exciting, fast, overwhelming and interesting all jumbled into one. So it's important to spend some time for yourself doing things that you love.
Personally I enjoy spending an afternoon in Central Park with friends, trying new ice cream places in the city (because who doesn't love ice cream), going to a movie screening in the park or even sitting by the river and opening up a new book. It's the little things. The city is a lot from time to time, so in order for me to stay sane I incorporate the things I love into my daily routine. Life is overwhelming in general. So I suggest, no matter where you are, spend some time for yourself doing little things that you love. xo, N When I was younger during the car ride to school, my family and I would sing along to songs. One of my favorite songs was "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John. Something about that song always made me happy. Maybe because I dreamed of being a ballerina when I was younger.
"Hold me closer tiny dancer Count the headlights on the highway Lay me down in sheets of linen You had a busy day today" Illustration by Danielle Kroll Online shopping is great. It allows me to do my two favorite things; lie in bed and shop. It doesn't get much better than that. I decided to curate a post with a collection of my favorite online shopping sites. The sites I've listed vary from prices to styles. Hope you enjoy! xo, N REVOLVE CLOTHINGZARA REFORMATION URBAN OUTFITTERS ARTIZIA FOREVER 21 ASOS MODA OPERANDI PIXIE MARKET ALICE & OLIVIA
Happy Easter ❀ I'm so happy spring is here! This past week I flew up to New York City for two days. I got to catch up with one of my good friends Mayleen (aka MayMay). We explored Central Park and stopped by various cafes. Big thank you to Aunt Deanna, for letting me crash at her place for the 48 hours I was in the city. You're the best! xo, N "Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them."
I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.
Because if you make mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself and changing the world. You're doing things you've never done, and more importantly, you're doing something. So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make new mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is; art, or love, or work or family or life. Whatever it is you're scared of doing, do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever. - Neil Gaiman Tis the season for sequins dresses that shine so bright a satellite in space could spot it. You can get away with wearing a ton of sparkles and no one would fuss to you about it since it's "festive". And if they do just blind them with your sparkles beaming from you're mini dress. I have selected my favorite holiday party items from the dress, to the accessories to the heels to fit the occasion. If you're interested in an item you just have to click on the image, which will lead you to the store. I know, dangerous! But you were super nice this year, and you weren't naughty at all right? So treat yourself to a present or four. Twirl the night away loves! xo, N Accessories ☟ Dresses ☟ Shoes ☟ The Holidays are just around the corner. Any of you who know me, know I'm a little bit obsessed with Christmas (my mini Christmas tree is already up in my room)! That being said I want Cashmere & Roses to by very festive this season. I have recipes, (do it yourself) crafts, my Christmas room tour and much more. I wanted to start off the holiday posts with an outfit post; "Holiday Lights", seemed fitting. Outfit details are at the bottom of the post. Happy Holidays from Cashmere & Roses! xo, N Knit Hat - Yutro
Cream Turtle Neck Sweater - Banana Republic Trench Coat - Burberry Black Wax Jeggings - ZARA Black Booties - Steve Madden Cherry Pie Charm Bracelet - Juicy Couture Gold Bow Bangle - Kate Spade Photos by Brennan Booker |