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Sunday, October 31, 2010

The Bubbly Intern

Hello my dear girls,
I hope you are having a lovely Halloween weekend!  I personally decided to sit this one out this year, so I hope you have fun stories to share!  I have had a pretty lazy weekend since last weekend was spent touring the beautiful region of Champagne.  As you can imagine, I thoroughly enjoyed myself!  The road trip was originally supposed to be a quick trip to the suburbs of Paris to see my aunt's show (she is a jazz singer as you know) but we decided to keep the car and explore Champagne!  Having lived in France for all these years and visited every year before with my family, I have been almost everywhere but Champagne!  Cross it off my list!  For a girl who loves bubbly as much as yours truly, I don't know what took me so long!

First Stop:  Reims
Sure, I love champagne, but I would be ashamed to visit a region solely for its alcoholic speciality.  Reims is home to the grandes marques of champagne, but also an older claim to fame:  La Cathédrale Notre Dame, where all the kings of France were crowned dating back to the 11th century!  Interesting fact: Napoleon chose not to hold his coronation at Reins, but Notre Dame de Paris instead.




To celebrate the boyfriend's fancy new job (yes, he is newly employed and I am not!), we stayed at the unimaginably beautiful Hotel Royal Champagne.  The views were stunning and the hotel itself was top-notch! 





Second Stop:  Epernay
There is really only one reason to visit Epernay: Champagne.  It is an uninteresting little town expect for the champagne tasting and tours of the caves!  We opted for a tour of the Moët Chandon caves as the cellars stretch 28 km (18 miles!) underground.  Moët is owned by Moët-Hennessy the group that also owns other champagne heavyweights like Pommery and Veuve Clicquot.  The boyfriend was captivated by the fermentation process and science of champagne.  Truth be told, they lost me after the first fermentation but got me back at my favorite part of the visit... le dégustation!




All-in-in, a sublime weekend!  And don't worry, les filles, I bought you each a bottle of Champagne!


Bisous xx Ophelia

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Trailers and Movies and Scripts, OH MY!

Flora, how I long for the office gossip.  I would even go so far as to say I miss it!

Now you guys know that generally I have always felt that these are dark times for cinema and entertainment, but 2010 has proved me wrong.  Mostly, I hate studio films which are so formulaic, and in this age of ‘remakes’ they seem to throw money at the screen and hope for the best when in reality they are really bastardizing childhood favorites and cult classics.  Naturally, I have felt that there have been a handful of winners each year that manage to bring the magic of visual story telling to the big screen, BUT the other thousands of releases are, to put it mildly, dreadful!   This year, I am feeling so differently with regards to the cinematic output and it seems that every day I am watching a new trailer, new release or reading a new script that blows my mind. 

127 Hours- James Franco is a national hero and I can’t wait to see him at the Academy Awards. 

Tron- Have you seen the new trailer with Daft Punk?  If you ladies haven’t seen the original Tron, go out and rent it immediately and then come and join me for a 3D Imax experience in Hollywood! It is going to be an nothing short of magical.

Harry Potter 7-Part 1- HP has defined our decade and as we get ready to take part in such an anticipated finale, I feel like I am taking part in movie history.  So Epic! I think that the next decade will belong to James Cameron who just announced his next couple of movies are to be AVATAR 2 an 3!  I almost choked on my food when I heard the news.

Four Lions- This was absolutely outrageous, but laugh out loud funny!  It is fresh and deserves all the buzz that it has generated!


Well, back to the job search.  No news.  The hunt continues….

xxx Rose

Monday, October 25, 2010

Girls will be girls...

Oh Ophelia! How I feel your pain! It's funny, ever since I've had my own apartment in NY, I've gained a whole new group of friends I never new I had...haha! And they all want the same thing from my friendship: a place to stay in NY ;) Good luck!

As for me girls, I'm happy to report things have been calmer at work. With Fashion Week (Month!) behind us, I'm definitely finding the time to adapt in the (still new) workplace. Lunches have actually been the greatest gain from this quieter work period. I've been going down to our cafeteria with a few colleagues, and instead of just eating in front of our desks we've been taking time to eat, chat and the inevitable... Gossip! It's insane. Work is just like school! You'd think people would mature as they get older... but clearly not!

Last Thursday was the biggest shocker...One of my colleagues literally spent 45 minutes going on about this girl that she just can't stand in the office. She started out calmly and in a relatively reserved manner...but quickly unleashed her real emotions! It was insane.  She called her the nastiest names, totally dissed her work, the way she dresses... everything!!

Since the girl seems to me to be "normal," my natural reaction was: Well, what has this girl done to you?

Her answer? Well she didn't really have an answer. The girl hasn't directly done anything to her she just can't stand her...

How unjustified? How unfair? How silly and petty? But let me tell...How REAL in a 98% feminine-filled-fashion office space...

Ahhhh what have I gotten myself into!!!

Flora xoxo

Friday, October 22, 2010

No More Miss Nice Intern!

Hello my dear girls,
I hope you are both well.  I apologize for not writing sooner, but I haven't been feeling very well this week.  Luckily, I am better now and just in time for a weekend getaway to the Champagne region of France.  We leave tonight!  I'll report back on Sunday!

In other news, I have decided that I am going to do a "friend purge" today.  There are people in my life who really shouldn't be and I don't see the point in keeping toxic friends around.  What brought this on?  It has been brewing for a while but frankly I am just sick of doing things for people and getting nothing in return.  I am so sick of the "Some friends and I are planning a trip to Paris, can we stay at your place?  There will be a few of us so it's probably best that you go away that weekend." Or the late night phone calls from people (who live in Paris) saying they are lost and asking me to order them a cab to their location.  Are you kidding me?!  These people take take take but if you ever call asking a favor, good luck!  They are never around.  Well I am over it.  No more Miss Nice Intern.  One-sided friendships... done!  Those who take but don't give... gone!

Here's the thing, I don't mind helping friends out.  I rarely say no to a friend in need, but as I sit here, unemployed and trying to get my foot in the door, it is extremely frustrating that so few will return the favor.  Could it be that when it comes to my job search, I am too nice and as a result unemployable? How many times have I corrected a "friend's" resume and then inadvertently handed her a job that could have been mine?  So, I plan on instituting a new policy (for acquaintances, friends still get the normal Nice Ophelia treatment!), if you ask me a favor, it is going to cost you!  There comes a point when an Intern has to watch her back and if I'm not getting back what I put out there, then forget it!

I'm off to channel my inner Mean Girl and purge my Facebook profile!

Bisous xx Ophelia

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The Hunt Continues

Good morning (technically afternoon),

This is my third day of 'freedom' and I don't have much to say for myself.  I have been catching up on sleep and job searching.  There are some prospects, but nothing solid just yet.

Flora, your job sounds superb and  I couldn't be more glad for you.  Ophelia, shall we plan a trip to crash Flora's seemingly perfect life for a weekend? God knows I have the time right now.  Have you started a new internship ?

To be honest the most exciting this that has happened to me over the last week is rediscovering the absolute brilliance that is Woody Allen's Annie Hall!  In my top five for sure which now makes it (in no particular order) :
1-Marry Poppins
2-Annie Hall
3-Top Gun
4-Terminator 2
5-Star Wars (I can never pick which one so I group the first trilogy here)
That's my picks for this week but my top five seems to change more frequently than one would expect.

As for today, I believe I will simply have another lazy day in my 'onesie' pajamas and continue to search for my next internship.  Yes you read correctly I wear a 'onesie' and I am not ashamed to admit it.  Not everyone can look as stylish as Audrey Hepburn when they just wake up!

At least I feel confident about my ability to land an internship!  That's something to be proud of, I think...  Lord knows I have a page full of them on my CV by now... 7 to be exact (2 of which were paid).

Actually, I might treat myself to a hotdog from Pink's.  One just opened up at Universal City Walk which is pretty close to my place.  I might try to get some exercise in and walk there this afternoon.  My ass could certainly use the workout!  I can feel it expanding as I sit on the couch to write this email, but considering that you are two of my favorite people I believe that it is justified!

Stay cool, ladies.

xxx

Rose

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Happy Anniversary, Eternal Interns!

Here's to one year of ups, downs, triumphs, travels, hopes, hardships, interviews, exploits and of course, 
Eternal Internships!  



Love always, 
Flora, Ophelia and Rose



Sunday, October 10, 2010

The Eternal Fashion Show Season

Rose - that is quite the comparison! I had never envisioned being an Eternal Intern that way!

Chicas, first and foremost, my apologies! I had pre-warned you that I would be insanely busy and that the arrival of the SS11 NY, London, Paris Fashion Shows was basically going to take over my life for the past few weeks!

Indeed, it did! I've been working around the clock...often over weekends...el novio can't believe it! He doesn't understand why I didn't opt for a career in M&A in Finance...it would have been the same hours, for a very significant pay boost ;)

Of course, however, this is only temporary, seasonal...things have begun to calm down a little, since all the big action is over...Chanel in Paris...the 360 degree Marc Jacobs runway experience for Louis Vuitton, and that ab fab Burberry show in London!




Finally we can start the breathe again a little.

This question of finances, however, now does indeed come to mind...

I have finally received my first pay, and as joyous as I was to receive my pay-stub...I was a little dissapointed to see the level of the wage on it.

It's money, it's a start, it's a salary...but I had somewhat expected more!!

Indeed, compared to an I-banker - I am making peanuts!!

This said, post opening envelope and gasping at the low digits I realize that this is the price you pay for being happy and actually doing something you enjoy!!

And chicas, wait...I can't forget to tell you...but there are perks!!! Get ththis - I've met so many people in the last month, and ALL of them work in fashion/luxury...ALL of them get corporate discounts!!! I've already gotten a few Montblanc pens for el novio and others as Xmas gifts at an insane Employee Sale for insanely low prices! I've got a friend at Lacoste who is stocking up for me on polos (perfect for Xmas gifts yessss and summer basics!!).....I stocked up on the most amazing Allegra Hicks kaftans for the beach at Xmas because another London friend works there and Thuy NY adorably fantastic dresses!! Ah! All in all I am slowly but surely revamping my wardrobe with soooooo many beautiessss!!! Oh and I can't forget the ab fab Sergio Rossi heels my boss GAVE me, because they were a size too small for her! Ahhhh!!

So yes....the salary may not be quite up to par....and the hours can be long...but girls...I'm loving it!!

Ok, I litteraly just got home way too late! It's almost 4am, but I really wanted to write as it's been forever! El novio is back in town and we had a brillian evening...a simple dinner at Artisanal followed by a few too many cocktails at Rose Bar...and a quick spin at C's housewarming party...Ahhh I need to sleep!

I'll write more this week! I'm finally back!!!!!!!!!

Besitos to the two of u!!! Forgive me for the long silence??? Pretty please???

Flora xoxo

Saturday, October 9, 2010

The Eternal Tease


He steps closer.  You touch.  Your heart is pounding a million beats a second.  Before you know it he has you up against the wall as you kiss passionately and just as he begins to unbutton you blouse he stops, turns around and says its been a pleasure and to please keep in touch.

In case you were wondering, that is what it feels like to be an Eternal Intern.  I get such a seductive taste to a beautiful world of scripts, putting projects together, being surrounded by amazing talent, right in the middle of all the buzz, you read about the stuff you are working on in the daily news and then all of a sudden it all comes to a heartbreaking end.  

I am left feeling unsatisfied in a way I have never felt before. It hurts every time.  

In the words of Churchill if you're going through hell, keep going...

Xxx Rose

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

An Intern in London

Hello my lovely interns,

I am recently back from a lovely trip to London and as you know, it is Fashion Week in Paris. More on that later, but first, let's talk London.  Now, you both know how much I HATE London.  The weather, the food, blah!  It has never appealed to me and I normally cringe at the thought of visiting.  This time however, I experienced the exact opposite!  I had the best time!  In my defense, in the past I have had some of the most miserable and unlucky experiences in London, so it is no wonder I was a bit apprehensive about a six-day visit.  I really didn't expect to make it back in one piece, let alone as a London convert anxious for her next visit!  So what happened to make me change my mind?  Here's the rundown!

Day 1:
Shopping at Portobello market where I picked up a GORGEOUS clutch for next to nothing! Shopping was followed by Prosecco and Marks & Spencer nibbles with Cleo and her sister Flossie and our friend Sharon before heading off to meet a group of girls I call the Parisiennes.  The Parisiennes are a handful of English girls I have met over the years in Paris.  These London It girls were in Paris to take courses at the Sorbonne, do internships in art and fashion or to take cooking classes at the Cordon Bleu.  All the Parisiennes have since returned to London so you can imagine how incredible it was to catch up over bottle after bottle of pink champagne!   We met at the oh so charming Gordon's, London's oldest wine bar, which we all agreed had a very Parisian feel to it!  Fitting, given my company! Loads of love to CM, FM, EE, SF, SG, JC, AZ, AC, IM and CdM for making the night so memorable!


Day 2:
No trip to the UK is complete without a hefty dose of shopping.  Naturally Topshop was at the top of my list, but I also spent a great deal of time lusting over the gorgeousness that is Liberty.  After a day of shopping, we were off to dinner at Tiny Robot, a precious little restaurant on Westbourne Grove.  I dined with a lovely couple that I had befriended in Paris over 5 years ago.  I wasn't kidding when I say everyone I know seems to have moved to London!


Day 3:
Tea at the Covent Garden Market and Smythson in Mayfair.  What could be more perfect?   I also popped into Fortnum & Mason to grab a jar of Marmalade to take back to Paris!  Monday evening we were off to the theatre.  Cleo's father had a play opening in the West End and we were lucky enough to tag along to the opening!  The play was amazing... as was the champagne reception afterwards!


Day 4:
To the boyfriend's dismay, Tuesday was filled with even more shopping.  This time around Kensington High Street.  I started to feel a bit guilty for dragging him around, so in the afternoon we took in some of the more traditional London sights... Westminster, London Bridge and the Tate.  In the evening, our hostess and her family took us to one of the most amazing dinners I have ever had in my life!  We got all dolled up and feasted at The Wolsely.  Not only was the restaurant itself too gorgeous for words, the food was to die for!   I even sampled my very first Welsh Rarebit... and it did not disappoint!


Day 5:
My father arrived from New York in the morning but went straight into meetings and the boyfriend headed back to Paris in the early afternoon.  This left me with an afternoon to myself to roam around.  Naturally, the Grace Kelly exhibit at the Victoria and Albert, was at the top of my list!  On my walk back to my dad's hotel Mayfair, I took a spin around Harrods (to stock up on tea!) and Harvey Nichols followed by a brief stroll through Hyde Park before making my way back to the Hotel.  My dad and I went for a lovely dinner and then called it an early night!


Day 6:
Liberty (again!), Topshop (again!) and then lunch at the Covent Garden Hotel with my father.  We stayed at the Covent Garden Hotel during previous trips to London, but I had forgotten just how gorgeous that hotel actually is!  I mean, really really beautiful!  My dad had to rush back to an afternoon meeting so I meandered around Covent Garden before heading back to Mayfair to pack my bags.  A few hours later I was on the Eurostar (with more M & S snacks for the trip!) and for the first time in my life, I was sad to leave!

I got back to Paris just in time to throw myself into the madness of fashion week.  More on that when it is over!  For now, back to work!  Believe it or not, I am working for a London-based designer this week!  Is this fate telling me to move to London?  haha!  Don't worry, Paris is still the love of my life!

Bisous xx Ophelia

Monday, October 4, 2010

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Good morning ladies!  This is my last week at my internship and there is not much for me to do at work, to be honest.  Naturally, I have found a lot of time to check out trailers on imdb.

As it is officially fall, all of the best features are beginning to make their way to the big screen.  Some have just opened and others are getting ready to make their mark on the box office.  The top 5 Movies that I am most excited to see in competition for top dollars are:


Fincher's The Social Network.  This movie is such a delight for devoted fans.  Scripted by the talented Aaron Sorkin, directed by David Fincher, and with a beautiful young cast.  I am a particular fan of Brenda Song who is actually a Disney Channel star.  I think she is hilarious and so glad to see her on the big screen.

Aronofsky's Black Swan.  I am not a huge fan of Natalie Portman.  In fact, I think that her along with Hayden Christiensen ruined Star Wars, however, I am so excited about the visual elements that this movie offers.  After the reception at the Venice Film Festival, I will definitely support the opening weekend.

 Hooper's The King's Speech.  Hello?  Colin Firth!  Need I say more?  He is a legend.


 Disney's Tangled.  First of all, anything Disney I absolutely never miss.  That studio rocks my world and has since I was about 3 years old.  I am thrilled to experience Disney's take on the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel. "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair..."


Inarritu's Biutiful.  This is a foreign language film, but Javier Bardem has so much buzz surrounding his role that I am extremely intrigued.  It looks a bit too intense for the sake of being intense for my taste, but I am always interested in seeing acting at its finest. 


I suppose I better get back to looking busy.  Oh the sweet life of an EI.

Ophelia, how was/is #LFF?
Flora, I am dying to visit NYC!  How is the weather these days?  I have to get around to looking at flights, which I absolutely cannot afford :-\  Where there is a will there is a way.

xxx Rose

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