WRITING PORTFOLIO Caroline Franco

2015

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Table of Contents ThinkWearLove (Personal Blog) .................................................................................................................. 2

Seriously, I Can’t Right Now ...................................................................................................................... 2

Dream is a Wish Your Heart Make ........................................................................................................ 3

Let Me Take A Selfie…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4,5

You Know What To Do With That Big Fat Butt…………………………………………………………….5,6

Handbag Designer 101 (HBD Network) ....................................................................................................... 7

Summertime & The Living Is Easy ............................................................................................................. 7

Celebrity Wrap Up ........................................................................................................................ 8,9,10

LIM Graduate Blog………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....……10,11

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Seriously, I Can’t Right Now.

Basically.

When a girl seriously can’t, you know not to even mess with her. Mostly because you can’t even.

Welcome to the Girl World.

Have you ever stopped to think how many girls can’t even, seriously, right at this very moment?

They’re basically dying.

Dying. Literally, I died.

Thanks, Rachel Zoe, for influencing females all over and teach them to misuse the word literally.

Basically, I can’t right now. I don’t even know.

Yeah, I don’t know either; mostly because she couldn’t bother to finish the sentence to make a

point. So you just stand there, with a blank stare on your face, saying I know, right?! No, but I

really don’t know; but what are friends for? So you awkwardly pity your friend without any clue

in mind about what’s happening, doing the Sheldon Cooper there, there, you’ll be alright.

Awkward.

Everyone seems to know what it means.

No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative. It gets the people going.

Maybe the point was so valid and deep that the words couldn’t come out of her mouth to create a

full statement. So she just expresses it with meaningless words and finishes the sentence midway.

So intense. Cue the Hills theme song for dramatic effect.

Have you ever stopped to wonder if the Duchess of Cambridge ever says in her English accent: I

can’t even, right now to the Queen of England? Or if Hillary Clinton ever turned to President

Obama and said Honestly, I literally can’t?

Not a good look.

There are hundreds, thousands of words to express what comes after the: cant’s, seriously,

honestly, basically, and literally. Literally. Can you imagine actually expressing yourself by saying

something along the lines of I can’t even…fathom being articulate when interacting with people,

expressing my thoughts and ideas clearly?

Never mind, who got time to say all of that?

Like, honestly I seriously can’t.

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A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes When: You Instagram Stalk Someone

Have you ever stopped to think about the real meaning of having social media and sharing your

personal life with the whole world? Let's get serious here, what is the purpose of having Instagram

and sharing our selfies #wokeuplikethis, vacation spots, favorite restaurants, and think others want

to see?

You see, the funny thing about this generation is that we like to show off. Want you to want me. I

need you to need me. Boom. Just like that retro-pop song. We're sharing pictures, videos, in 140

characters or less the places we visited. For what? Attention. Showing off. The need to tell the

world: Hey! My life is better than yours, and you wish you could be me.

Scroll, scroll, scroll—double tap, and voila! Just liked someone's picture I didn't mean to. Well, I

kinda meant to, because I mean, who doesn't want to be on a trip to Ibiza? But as I double tap and

make that little red heart come to life I'm secretly doing it sarcastically. While rolling my eyes, of

course.

We tend to post pictures for one reason and one reason only: to make people jealous. Yeah, yeah,

the picture might be blurry, it might be a little crooked or it might even have the bad filter we all

hate (seriously, stop tryin' to make Hefe happen, it's not going to happen!); but it won't change the

fact that a person is out there in a beautiful place while you're staring at your phone thinking,

Where did I go wrong in life?

Instagram makes you a jealous bee-atch.

Whenever I open Instagram I soon become aware of dreams I never had before. It sparks within

me and makes me think that, Hell yeah I want to become a bodybuilder. But what we, and I say

we because I'm sure I'm not the only one—I hope, need to understand that we all create, in one

way or another, an illusion of our lives to make others a tiny bit jealous.

Social Media Should be Really Called Illusion Media.

Majority of the time when a picture is posted, we're often making up a fantasy and a story for the

picture that it might not even be true. Of course, there are some cases the picture is awesome and

there is no illusion. But on a daily basis, we all play this game where the pictures are just a way of

being accepted; virtual affection; a way of fitting in a world we shouldn't care about fitting in.

We shouldn't be posting for likes—although I like likes. We shouldn't be searching for thousands

of followers—although I like to be followed (okay creepo, not literally).

A dream is a wish your heart makes, when you're stalking someone on Instagram and suddenly the

world turns upside down. We're all guilty of being this gullible. We're all guilty of posting pictures

to make at least one of our followers, which often are people we talk to on a daily basis, jealous.

It's just a game we play that always keeps coming back to us.

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A game that we play all too well with XX Pro pretending it's a #nofilter.

Let Me Take a Selfie: Rules of Snap-chattin & Other Shenanigans

Our generation is fascinated in a little thing called—the selfie. Peace sign, duck face, kissy face,

smiley face, sad face...we've all done it.

Snap-chatting is the “cool” thing to do now. You're out for girls night—let's take a selfie, you're

out at the mall—another one, oh wait! There's that Starbucks coffee run—let's take another selfie

(with your Venti soy iced caramel unsweetened frap no whip, of course). But my question is, why

do we think other people wants to see a five second (trust me, five seconds is long enough) picture

of our faces?

Guilty.

Here's the thing, we're all guilty of the selfie crime, but what happens when you “accidentally”

snap someone you didn't mean to? Or even take a peace sign, duck face pic and story it without

knowing til five hours later and 32 views? Too little, too late hun.

But first...Let me take a selfie

So it's a gorgeous night out with your friends and you're feeling the vibe, feeling yourself and a

little extra happy because, ya know, it's Summertime. So you grab your phone, it's just about

1:47AM and the taking of the picture starts. You think: look at me, I'm pretty. We know. But do

other people? And that's when the mistakes begins.

After 12AM, you know that's when things bout to get real. So real, that you want to make it

memorable, with pictures...for others to see, of course.

Ah, guilty again.

Here's the thing, everyone else is doing it. And we wanna do it too! So I have come up with a few

basics to help you out when these mishaps happens.

Don't overdue the selfie:

Yes, you're allowed to snap chat your face to anyone you want, as many times as you'd like.

Sometimes I have conversation with my friends solely based on selfies, and I'm okay with that.

But once that begins to appears constantly on your snap story—that's when it's a big no-no.

Keep the stories for the funny, interesting snaps that you'd love to show off.

Don't overdue your snap-story:

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400 seconds of flashing lights because someone's sitting VIP at a club. Nobody's got time for that.

Start deleting off when it's getting too long.

Don't story selfie snap “the girls”

Alright, ladies let's leave something for the imagination, otherwise you'll have desperate written

all over it. But if you do, don't panic(or do!)—it'll be gone anyway (unless someone screen cap).

I still don't understand the concept of why we send pictures of ourselves for others to see, but hey

we're all doing it anyway.

Selfie snap wisely, everyone.

You know what to do with that big fat butt” Did Jason Just Call Me Fat?

Wiggle.Wiggle.Wiggle.

What?

If you know me you’d know I have a little thing I’d like to call radio A.D.D, where I change the

song every ten seconds and move on to another. Yeah, I like to play hard to get with my radio. I

listen to all sorts of music: Hip Hop, Rap, Pop, Country, a little R&B for the soul, One Direction

(Hey Harry, you never called!). It really opens up my mind, body and soul. Lol, jk. I’m still trying

to figure out what that Iggy girl is singing about.

But it’s completely liberating and totally badass to rap along songs when they comes on the radio.

It’s that five second moment you feel like a boss and nail every hook of the song, showing off your

moves and feeling a bit superior to the friend who couldn’t keep up.

Barang-ban-ba. Tu cuerpo la di doo da doo da dida bajando. BAILANDO. Enrique, what are you

saying?

I never really stopped to think about what I’m listening to. I just go with the flow and most of the

time not even pay attention to what is coming out of my mouth in a symphonic Mariah Carey

pitched harmony. Unless I’m belching out Stay With Me by Sam Smith and mean

every.single.word. I’m not the only one, right?

Living with my bitches. Hashtag-Live.

It’s so amazing to see how lenient we are to use derogatory terms to address each other. It’s bitches

driving Range Rovers in one station, while bad bitches shows up on another. These terms have

become so meaningless that we’re all numb to them and, to some, this is often a compliment.

Yous a bad bish. Um, no thank you.

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But why are we so comfortable accepting the use of these terms? Just because this is “part of our

generation” doesn’t mean we have to accept it. Way too often girls, and their army of skanks, refer

to one another as bitches, sluts, and whores.

Why? Where’s the love, y’all. I don’t know.

Why can’t music be more real like that RUDE song, Why you gotta be so rude? For real man,

why? Don’t you know I’m human too? We’re all humans. This song is already so relatable. Why

can’t songs now a days be more real—as real as this poor guy trying to marry a girl he loves and

obviously can’t have?

Instead artists keep portraying women as mere objects that can be called whatever the rapper

wishes. These hoe’s ain’t loyal. Well, Chris, maybe you should change who you’re hanging around

with. Problem solved. Eh, not really.

Unfortunately we can’t control how artists refer to women, or anyone in particular, but we can

control how it influences us on the daily.

Beware of what you sing. The more you sing it, the more you start to believe in what’s coming out

of your mouth.

Ms. Norbury said it ten years ago and she’s right. You have all got to stop calling each other sluts

and whores.

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Summer time and the livin' is easy...

Well, even though it's not officially summer yet, but the weather sure likes to think otherwise. So

in the hot summer sun we need to have handbags that is the easiest to carry around.

Personally, when it's hot (like right about now 91 yikes!) I hate to have anything with me, around

me or even on me. So for today I will introduce what makes 'summer time livin' easy'...with a

handbag.

Just because it's hot, doesn't mean we have to ditch all of our fashionable accessories. Let's keep

cool, calm and collect going to the beach, work, around town, or to our favorite froyo place

(everyone loves a good froyo!)

Annabel Ingal

Romane Drawstring Raffia Bag - $292.00

This bag is the definition of summer in the Hamptons. This is a beach-ready handbag but it can

also be for an evening stroll around town. It has leather straps and gold details to add a little fun in

the sun. It's also very easy to carry, not too big and not too small – just the perfect size for wallet,

sunglasses and some tanning oil.

Gorjana

Bleeker Bloom Fold Over Bag – $231.00

Alright, I think I have mentioned before my obsession with crossbody bags. Even though I think

crossbody bags are meant to have all year around, Summer is the one season it's a MUST have.

It's easy to carry, super light and also stylish. The “Bleeker Bloom” has a front zip pocket and a

magnetic top. You can also choose to carry it as a crossbody or adjust it to a one shoulder bag.

Marlene Birger

Donnya Shopper Tote - $35.00

It's not officially Summer without having a Summer Tote around. This is one of my favorites

because it's so simple yet girlie. This over the shoulder tote is made of cotton and has a heart with

MB signed at the bottom. This bag can be your go-to everyday bag – the best bag to have your

summer memories with. (Part of the proceeds from purchasing this bag goes to support children

in need around the world)

These were my style picks for the summertime. Be creative and have fun. It's Summer don't be

afraid of having bold colors and patterns on your handbag. And remember, it'll get hot (hopefully

no hotter than today) so opt for something light to make your livin' easy...

Stay hydrated. And always fabulous.

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Celebrity Wrap Up: Wild Shape Bags

Wild thing. You make my heart sing.

That song explains how I feel towards 'wild shape bags'. Not only it fits perfectly with the theme,

but it's also a way to describe these 'wild things' and how it fits in this wonderful world of fashion.

Celebrities are always looking and coming up with ways of having different clothing and

accessories. But they're not the only ones that can add a peculiar touch to fashion.

Wild shaped bags are interesting kinds of bags. They're unique, and have their own sense of

creativity in fashion. Fashion wouldn't be fashion if it wasn't a little risque, right? So wild shape

bags, what are they and where can you find one, you may be asking. Well here's the 4-1-1 on these

cool bags.

Wild Shape Handbags: (noun/accessory/women's purse)

– A handbag that has a unique exterior structure with a good interior that has consistency and

room to hold wallets, cellphones, lipgloss, agendas, pens, books, water bottles, maybe a

puppy?

Okay, just kidding about the puppy. But you get what I mean. These wild shape bags are a cool

way of expressing yourself and stepping outside the ordinary shaped handbags. There are slouchy,

oval, rectangular, long, square, short, floral, envelope, even Hello-Kitty shaped bags. Even though

some shapes may be a little too much for someone's taste, here are a few options that are definitely

daring but it's more 'conservative' looking compared to others.

Not So Wild Bag

Gucci $1,320

This bag shape is not so wild, nonetheless is gorgeous. The soft pink and asymmetrical shape is

idealistic for those who wants to step in the wild-chic side. The touch of the strapped chain and

the fringe on the zipper gives an edgy look to your style. This bag can also be worn as a cross-

body.

Messy Bag

CC Skye $693

Tyler Hobo Bag is a very unique handbag. It's an organic looking handbag, that is made of raw cut

glazed leather that drapes down when carrying it. It has three pockets inside and it has a sturdy

strap; strong enough to carry almost anything!

Wild-Child Backpack

Patricia Field $98

If you're a backpack lover in search of a new and different style to add to your 'pack' collection,

this just might be it. This double zipped bag is super funky with it's design – consist of two separate

sides, so you can put books on the right, and snacks on the left. This bag is also perfect for those

who loves skulls, and wants to sharpen up punk-rock style.

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For sure these bags make everything, groovy. So don't miss the opportunity of being creative and

shop for wild bags. It's a fun way to spice up your style and image.

Wild thing.

Celebrity Wrap Up: Cross Body Bags

Cross body bags, they are truly the best. When I was younger, and a little naïve, I thought cross

body bags were weird and not fashionable, at all. Sort of like fanny packs (side note: fanny pack

never was and never will be in style, guys). But a few years back, I realized it's my ideal bag. It's

so convenient to have this bag, it hangs on your body and you have both of your hands free. And

we all need our hands to hold cup of coffee, phone, iPod, book, maybe a kid?...

I'm not the only one fascinated with cross body handbags. Mila Kunis, Reese Witherspoon, Taylor

Swift, Katherine McPhee are a few celebrities that are throwing their free hands in the air and

rocking the cross body's. This style has become very popular and a fashion trend.

Here are some designer handbags celebrities are loving

For the Celebrity Style Watchers:

Marc by Marc Jacobs $168

This bag is very similar to what Katherine McPhee was spotted with in New York City as she took

a break from shooting “Smash”. Let's begin with the color, red. Red pops out and catches

everyone's attention. This nylon bag has a zipper detail on the flap, as well as three different interior

pockets.

For on the Go Gals:

Alexander Wang $795

Always on the go? This cross-body is for you. Sometimes, we are so busy running around that

having a heavy bag becomes a burden. But with this cross-body, you'll even forget you're carrying

it. This bag is bigger than majority of cross-body's, making it easier to fit everything in it. It simple,

yet edgy – there's spikes at the bottom to always protect the bag from getting dirty. Awesome,

huh?

For the Princess:

Jason Wu $1,795

This Jason Wu is a very delicate cross-body bag that looks like it was made idealist for a princess,

aka you! This mint delicacy is the perfect companion on date night. The Saffiano leather is

handcrafted with corner accents and 2 exterior pocket. It also fits the essential products; phone,

chap-stick and mints.

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Even if you still think cross-body bags are old school messenger bags, you should definitely take

a risk and buy one. Cross-body bags are a smaller, cooler and more fashionable version of

messenger bags and we should embrace it. They're like peanut butter and oatmeal, weird

combination but delicious results!!

The Life of a Grad Student: How to Balance it All

Being a graduate student is kind of surreal. I'm beyond being a 'big girl' now, as I'm almost done

with my Master's degree. I have real responsibilities and am definitely considered an adult, a cool

one, that is. Although graduation couldn't come soon enough, (C'mon December!), I still have to

manage my responsibilities: juggle life in the concrete jungle with internships, long commutes,

and school, as well as my personal downtime.

How am I still sane? Lots of venti lattes, comfortable shoes, and of course, a great sense of humor.

But the way I get through it all is by having two major things that I work with in my life: schedules

and a positive mindset.

Schedules: The best way to keep me rational during crazy times is to make schedules. I love

schedules and I'm pretty sure they love me back. Waking up at the break of dawn to make it to

spinning class—is it really worth it if I already have so much on my plate? The answer is yes,

because spinning makes me happy and I can fit that into my schedule. The key to balancing all of

your responsibilities is taking time to do what makes you happy.

What I have never given up during stressful and hectic times is doing things for myself; things that

may seem silly but make me happy. To some it may be getting a ten minute massage, going to

grab coffee with a friend, or even hiking. Make schedules in advance with your school and work

to balance out your needs, wants and demands!

Know when to prioritize tasks—prioritizing your tasks and responsibilities is essential to make life

easier—that's why you create a list that starts out with the most important all the way down to the

frivolous.

Mindset: You've probably already heard of the saying “You can do anything you set your mind

to.” Benjamin Franklin was right. If you change the way your mind works and put a positive spin

on it, you'll be able to accomplish more than you thought you would. I know, it might seem a tad

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cliched, but it's true. Seeing situations in a different perspective and changing how you're reacting

to stressful job tasks, slow walkers, and a test in class can help you in the long run. Except for the

slow walkers, no one has time for that.

As we all start a new semester, let's start off with a positive mindset and prioritizing your tasks.

Life's good, and we have to enjoy every bit of it.