Take note Anna Wintour, Italian Vogue’s July issue features only black models, including Toccara Jones, a plus size model.  I am excited to see Vogue take such a huge step.  When  I lived in Italy Naomi Campbell was the only black model you could find in an Italian magazine.  In a country that is “monochromatic” (remember the European Cup, the only people on the team had Italian last names.  There wasn’t any other ethnicities on the team.) it is good to see such a bold statement being made.  According to The Independent:

Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, told The Independent on Sunday: “We are using a lot of black models, like Iman, not only the models of today – a lot of different girls.” Asked why she had decided to do this, she said: “Because nobody is using black girls. I see so many beautiful girls and they were complaining that they are not used enough.”

Ms Sozzani admitted the issue could yet prove to be unpopular among some in Italy, where the xenophobic Northern League is part of the new coalition led by Silvio Berlusconi: “Maybe in our country it is not the best idea. But I don’t care. I think it is not my problem if they don’t like it – it’s their problem.”When I lived in Italy I did encounter racism.  I was called a N*g**r just walking down the street one night.  I was mistaken to be a prostitute several times.  I never dressed provocatively, but men still yelled out to me in my college sweatshirt and baggy Calvin Klein pants.  (After I told my parents what was happening they sent me an alarm that I could touch a button and a sound louder than a car alarm would come roaring out.  The only time it was used was when I accidentally set it off in a metro station in Paris. It took me  and my friend 5 minutes before we realized I was the cause of the horrendous sound.) I should note I never felt in danger of my life.  I knew I could walk through downtown alone at 2am and I would make it home safely.  The racism I experienced was not as hurtful as when I lived in Texas and kids would tell me they could not play with me anymore because I was black and their dad did not like black people.

Bravo Vogue Italia

To check out the photos from the July issue go to fashionista.com

Photo courtesy Fabsugar

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Sometimes I wonder what I will wear for all those important meet and greets during school.  I think this outfit by L’Wren Scott is great. Can I just send this picture in for my Why MBA essay?

Photo from style.com

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The post by Starwalker reminded me of my own love affair with New York City.  I actually wanted to go to college in NYC but it was too much money. Plus I had a great experience at my underground, and the bonus is the campus is right next to the ocean.  I use to wake up at 6am and go for a 3 mile run along the beach.  My family always referred to it as a Cadillac school (which is good).I also got to study abroad in Italy for one year.  All my courses were in Italian, and I had great a Italian roommate.  Too many stories.

After college I worked in the film industry in public relations.  I worked with many A-list names and some of them were nice and some of them weren’t, but I learned a lot along the way.  After that I jumped around in California for love and for money.  The whole time I always knew eventually I would be in NYC.  I thought I would be living there at this point in my life but I am not. It seems I  always had an excuse.  Not enough money, what career options, I am in love and want to stay with my boyfriend, California is so nice.  One excuse after another while one year after another has passed.  I am no longer in Cali, and I am not in NYC.

The last time I was in NYC was in Fall 2006.  I checked out both Columbia and NYU.  I liked them both, although NYU’s MBA Stern building was nicer.  I had a good time with my friends.   even got to go to the Art History Grad Students Halloween Party.  Too many stories. I have included some photos below.

Well I have given myself a deadline.  2009.  Yep 2009.  If I don’t do well on the GMAT this time than it is time for me to pursue my dreams another way.  So, if I don’t do well I am looking to move after the New Years, and if I do well on the GMAT than I will stay here and apply to schools.

Either way I am out of excuses ofwhy I can’t  live, shop, and breath in NYC. (Unless I get accepted into a school not in NYC. )

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I have been told it takes 21 days to develop a habit.  So in the spirit of examining my life I realize there are many good habits I need to form.  I have decided to give myself a 30 day challenge.  I know 30 days is a cliché time period, but truly it will continue for a longer time.  What will I be doing for 30 days straight?  Four things actually.

1. Study for the GMAT everyday for 2 hours
2. Go to the gym everyday and workout no less than 30 mins.
3. Write on this blog
4. No alcohol

I have been told this is possible too extreme, and I might be in for a big let down or i am not allowing myself any leeway.  My response is these are habits I use to have in the past that I no longer connect with.  I might go to the gym for 5 straight days but if I take one day off I won’t return to the gym for 2 weeks.  I may study on Tuesday but I won’t open a GMAT book until the following Friday.  I chose alcohol just because I find it slows me down the rest of the night or the next day.  The discipline is gone and I need to get it back.  So for my 1st month I am going a little extreme.  Next month I will develop 1 more habit while hopefully keeping these 4 habits.
When will my thirty days begin?  On July 8, 2008, and it ends on August 7, 2008.

GlamourGirls I want to hear from you.  What habits do you want to develop or change?  Maybe we can form a support group to help each other.  Send me an email or a comment letting me know what you will be doing for the next thirty days.

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Hey GlamourGirls.  I was researching the resort collections this past Spring and discovered the great Naeem Khan.  These dresses are all by designed by him.  I admit I am late to the Naeem train.  He launched his first show in 2005.  His designs have recently been seen on Carrie Underwood and Eva Langoria.  I just love all the colorful detail on these dresses.  Plus these dresses make picking shoes a lot more fun because many different colors and styles can be worn.  If you can’t afford Naeem during this wonderful recession it is ok.  Just remember color color color on your next shopping trip..  Check out more on Naeem Khan in his website NaeemKhan.com and about the designer himself in this article from Rising Star Designer Naaem Khan.

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Tomorrow is a new day and it is time to settle with the OG Guide again and make it my best friend. Summer time and studying is seriously difficult. This is why people have internships and not school. It is too difficult to concentrate on the academic, but it must happen.

I have been catching up on MBA news. The Scoretop scandal Scoretop scandal is interesting. The BW Forums have been ablaze with “GMAT Cheaters busted.” I will be honest I have been on the site and saw all the post for people showing 700+ GMAT scores, but I have never used or paid for the VIP service. I heard a statistic that only 10-20% of GMAT test takers get above a 700, but it seemed everyone on Scoretop did. I am not speculating people used live GMAT questions or even knew they were live questions. From what I read, I understand all those questions were removed in 2006 anyway. I don’t know what the solution or punishment should be for the VIP members but cancelling scores and denying members from taking the GMAT test just seems cruel. It is an expensive test with courses costing up to $3000. It just seems like rich mans game to have GMAT prep. $30 may not seem a lot for many people it is all they can give to study.

Question: What should GMAC do to the Scoretop VIP members

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Theory                              Old Navy Skirt and Top    Old Navy Skirt
                                          Burberry Pumps              Top found in L.A. boutique
                                                                                 BCBG flats

I first saw this Theory dress on StylebyMaryRambin   At first I was not that impressed by the dress.  It just seemed plain to me, only a white tank navy skirt.  Too simple.  But the simplicity of the outfit never left my mind.  When I saw the skirt on the left I was instantly reminded of the Theory dress.  I realized the Theory dress had actually inspired me to create the look with the Old Navy Skirt.  What do you think of the look?

Model: Karen D

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On Thursday went with the family to see the movie Hancock.  I had read some of the reviews and the critics hated it.  Apparently the twist in the middle was too unbelievable and did not add to the plot.  As much as I agree with critics on films, I made up my mind when I saw the first preview for Hancock that I wanted to see it.

Spoiler Alert

My vote. 21/2  Glamour Stars
Why do you ask?  Who knew Charlize Theron would be his immortal beloved, that could only be loved from afar.  Who knew love took away powers?  (Well we all do.  I was in love once and could not concentrate on anything but that person and felt I was solely living to make him happy.)  I think without the twist in the film the movie would have been completely useless.  I will admit I have a serious crush on Will Smith, but  I still think he did a good job in the movie. ( I felt he did a great job in I Am Legend.)  Jason Bateman was also funny as the warm hearted public relations guy, but I felt anyone could have played that role. 

Although I enjoyed my experience with the film I don’t need to see a part two to Hancock and I don’t have to know his real name or if he is truly from another planet.  Notice I have yet to mention the whole superpowers aspect.  I actually felt that was the weakest part of the film.  Watching Hancock fly over the 110 Freeway or throw a fat French kid in the air was just boring and expected.  And being a booze loving superhero is even more of a cliché.

Bottom line:
Wait for the DVD.
Let me know how you felt about Hancock.

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I will admit the last time I took the GMAT it slowed me down a little bit. All the encouraging comments where there, but I gave up on myself and lost focus on my future. For the longest time if you asked me why I wanted an MBA I could not tell you. I will admit my heart was no longer into it. I just thought if I could not get past step one of the MBA process, the GMAT, than I just couldn’t do it anymore.

Then I was told the story of Professor Randy Pausch from Carnegie Mellow. I am sure you have heard of his Last Lecture, a speech he gave to his students and colleagues after he found out he was dying from pancreatic cancer (http://youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo). He said something that I have held onto and can’t let go.

“The brick walls are there for a reason: They let us prove how badly we want things. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people”

I took the GMAT in May and got a decent score. I actually consider that the true 1st time I took it because I knew the questions in front of me but my timing was way off and it shook my nerves too much that I felt I lost control on the verbal part. Than I heard of a woman taking the GMAT 6 times and getting into a top 5 school. I also heard of a man taking it 15 times before he got a decent score. I don’t plan on taking the GMAT that many times, but I do want to accomplish it.

So here I am, at step one. Studying for the GMAT. I plan on taking it in August or September with plenty of time to take an accounting or finance course before round two.

There are some changes to my blog now. Although there will be a heavy emphasis with the MBA process it will no longer only be about it. I felt all I did was complain and whine about studying when really I had other interests and fashion tips I wanted to share. I also plan in competing in a triathlon this year. Every time I start training something happens and I stop, but no longer. I got three months to get my but in shape and then I have a 1/2 marathon in January.

I also want my readers to be very communicative with me. Tell me your likes and dislikes about the blog, my writing style, my fashion tips and whatever you can find. I am open to all. I have decided to add a twitter or those interested in my moment to moment life. Twitter.com\glamourgirlnow. We will see how this twitter thing goes.

Ciao

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