Fitting Room Selfies

Okay so, starting off with the fact that normally I hate selfies unless they're mine and the very word itself, the title was meant to be read with slight sarcasm. Or just humor. Whatever works. Little life update for the few people that still keep up with this blog, I've been working at the local Macy's for a little over two months now, I'm going back to school in a little over three months (wait what), gotten back into sewing/sketching/drafting again and I also currently have strep throat. In other words, I have things to write about and time to do so since my parents and employers have quarantined me for the time being. 

As some of you know or probably just read and found out, I work at Macy's. Dress code is mainly all black. For yours truly, that was no problem. If anything, it was another excuse to buy more black clothes. And yes, there are different colors of black so I can be heard asking "does this black match this black?" Working for a little over two months has challenged me to wear my black differently and over time I've come up with more than a few favs. 

Without further ado, feast your eyes upon my low quality work selfies! 

All black, All day, Every day. 

For my fellow petites out there, Target has some good cropped dress pants. I got two pairs and honestly wear them other than for work. Love them. Mary-Kate Olsen may or may not have influenced some of these outfits. Last month my best friend FINALLY came back from college and we went to Salvation Army. I plucked a fitted, double-breasted black blazer that can be seen in the bottom right hand corner. It's kind of my child at the moment. Four dollars. Fits perfectly. I just wanna take a moment to thank God for all the times I've fallen in love with something at the thrift shop and had it fit perfectly. 

Pointing out again that I have strep, I am in a large amount of pain and am now going to attempt the complicated process of sleeping. Check out my Tumblr, House Of Riegal. It's basically my infinite inspiration board. 

PS... I'm visiting FIT this weekend :D 

xx Caitlyn

Time To Get Intimate.

Hey guys! 

So if there's one thing I know about dressing well it's that it doesn't matter how chic you look or how long it took to put together that outfit, if you don't have the right foundation, it's not going to work. No, I'm not talking about your makeup... if you don't have the right undergarments then how do you expect the outer garments to look right? 

Today, I'm going to talk to you all about my go to foundations. I'm going to say up front that I work part time at Macy's so while I don't have the budget of most fashion bloggers, I still like to indulge myself a little. My favorite thing about intimate apparel is that even if you're single, it' nice to have some sultry numbers that you can throw every once in a while. Whether you're wearing your favorite unlined lace bra to simply run errands around town or you're just lounging around during a night in while wearing a lace chemise and a silk robe; undergarments are in my opinion, a huge confidence boost. They're the ultimate luxury. I can't tell you how many times I love wearing my favorite bra with the silk robe my best friend got me while in Thailand. Throw on a lingerie set, grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine with a classic like Breakfast At Tiffany's and bam! You have your own personal girl's night. 

Whenever you go shopping for new undies, obviously stick to your staples like a smooth, seamless bikini or hipster but jazz it up with lace accents or whatever floats your boat. Just make sure that you don't go too color crazy because then it kind of defeats the purpose and might just show through clothing. Don't forget to spoil yourself a little with an occasional lace or mesh pair of panties in a beautiful color. I was in Target a week or two ago with my best friend and we happened to stumble upon Gilligan and O'malley's new intimates collection. With gorgeous deep burgundy and pale purple, even your everyday black and nude, the lace collection was beautiful! Ranging from $10.99- $19.99, these pieces have just the right amount of luxury for the right price. 

One of my current favorites, this unlined lace balconette bra is classic and comfy and sexy and such a confidence booster. Details and colors here. 

Now this little bugger is my absolute favorite at the moment. So comfy, so sexy and soooo cute. I've done everything from going to work to sleeping in this bralette. Details and colors here. 

This number is super cute. Very soft and comfortable. No underwire, clasps or anything. Just slip it on and lounge. It's the perfect thing to wear when you're home alone and dancin' in your undies. Details and colors here. 

Now onto the second or should I say bottom half of this post. I love me a nice silky smooth pair of panties to go about my day in so when I picked up the next couple pairs you're about to see, I fell in love. (Bonus: Every pair featured is no-show, so no panty lines!) 

Seriously soft. Like, seriously. With the right amount of lace, this pair of undies is perfect for everyday life. I am telling you, these glide on and are so comfy you'll think you forgot to put on underwear. Details and colors here. 

Now listen, everybody needs a good pair of black undies and a good pair of nude undies. Plain and simple. Comfy and classic. Details and colors here. 

And last but not least, well okay technically it is the least... the thong. This seamless version is friction free (I'm just being honest here) and totally comfortable. For those super, suuuuuper skinny jeans, these are the way to go. Details and colors here. 

To sum up these intimate details, the lace is the most comfortable lace I've ever worn, the panties slide right on and do not lose their shape and overall, it's fairly cheap for the quality you're getting. Although the website says not sold in stores, I bought everything wait for it.... In store. If there's one last intimate detail I must share, it's that if you can, TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! I just gave the fitting room attendant an understanding look as I politely asked if I could just slip some underwear on over my own because I didn't know my size. Luckily she said yes, but not everyone will. Try your hardest to try on a pair if you've never worn the brand before or you're honestly just not sure. Bras you can always try on but trust me, it's worth the extra ten minutes to save yourself from the frustration of a too-small-bra or a big-panty-catastrophe. 

That's all for now, folks. I believe this long post somewhat makes up for my absence, now onto lounging in lace and silk...

xx Caitlyn

Hello Again!

SUP?!? Long time, no see! 

I know I've been MIA lately because I figured my life wasn't really too eventful to blog about. I've moved back home and last week I FINALLY moved back into my old bedroom instead of my brother's old room. I cleaned out my room, re-arranged, took down then put back up, organized and threw out things! (And bought a few things, too!) Either way, I feel my life has greatly improved and fallen into place since leaving Pittsburgh. In the past two months, I have moved home, taken a vacation, cleared my mind, gotten a closer connection to my spirituality, started eating better, got a job at Macy's (eek!), met someone new (again... eek!) and well, frankly, I got my sh*t together. I keep telling my parents how I feel as though I've grown up and matured a lot this Summer. I haven't been sewing at all but I've been busy! I still sketch from time to time. I've been trying to find a way to organize my sketches and sketch books but it's just a little difficult. Lately I've been really focused on just getting my surroundings situated because then everything else is less stressful. With that being said, I think I'll try to do a little cleaning up in my room and show you guys how I organize alllllllll of my things, garments and garment rack included! 

Guys, I am genuinely happy. That's like, a big deal for me. I don't look in the mirror and nit-pick or mope about things. I look in the mirror and I'm like, 'Jesus, I just wanna thank you for makin' me look fab today, like thanks bae. Luh you, amen.'  I'm listening to Lady Gaga as I'm writing this so I'm kinda on this level where I'm literally typing what goes through my mind. Oops. Oh well. So there's my little life update and I'll try (pinky promise!) to post more often. Maybe I'll post my super chic all black work outfits?! Maybe. Who knows. Well I'm off to Pinterest then to thrift later with my momma. I'll catch you babes on the flip side. 

P.S. I know I've matured because I now only have one poster of Harry Styles on my wall. 

P.P.S.S. Ignore the weird lines on my face. I promise they're just shadows from my hair. 

xx Caitlyn

Big News!

Hello my friends! 

I have some very very very fantastic news!

The past several months I have been waiting very eagerly to hear back from the Fashion Institute of Technology on the application I submitted months ago. I can now let the news out that I have indeed been accepted into the Spring 2015 semester for Fashion Design at FIT! I am leaving Pittsburgh in several weeks and moving back to Upstate New York for the remainder of the year. Very excited and eager to start my life in the city. 

With that being said, I most likely won't be putting out that many new garments this year. Or maybe I will because I'll be free. Who knows! Either way, I'm going to focus on really cleaning everything out this year. Closet, fabric, sketchbook(s), desk and most importantly, my mind! I plan on moving on to the next chapter calm, cool, (chic) and collected. So in other words, I'll be organizing things and honestly just growing up. 

During my first year of college, I realized there were/are some things I needed to learn or work on. Things I kind of wish I had done or handled before I left for college. One thing is definitely all the basic life skills you're expected to have or know when you're an adult. I always thought that since I was somewhat young for my generation, (I was only 17 for the majority of my first year of college), I assumed some of my slip ups would be dismissed and overlooked. Enter: Lesson One that I learned. You're a college student. You are entirely responsible for (almost) everything that happens to you. Lesson Two: Yes, dress for the job you want, not the one you have or lack. However, do not act like you have that job already. Biggest thing I've had to stop and remind myself is to stay humble. Also keep in mind that it doesn't mean you should act like a shadow, speak up and participate. Just don't let yourself take over. At least not every time. Lesson Three: Just because someone else is taking on a couple more classes doesn't mean you should too. No matter how badly you want to show that you can handle it, as far as academics go, stay in your comfort zone. By the way, I cannot sleep and it's one of those super reflective nights. That's why half of this post is very odd. 

Back to being home for the rest of the year... Since I'll be cleaning and organizing, I might do some posts on how to tend to your closet or garments. Maybe even some vacation related posts, who knows! Just stay with me and you'll find out!

xx Caitlyn

Andy and Edie

Hello there, people of the internet. 

Today is a special day. Why you ask? Because I'm going to introduce you to a very special person. My friend, Erika, is just indescribable. She's a cultured, introverted, sarcastic, cat loving, graphic design, Andy Warhol enthusiast. And I love it. We're the Olsen twins of the Art Institute, you see. The Kendall and Kylie. The Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick. The Caitlyn and Erika. Our styles are similar and yes we are both petite but I assure you, we are talented. We are powerful and passionate about what we do and no one will stop us. Now, back to the Warhol subject. Erika first introduced me to Factory Girl, the movie, last quarter, about two months ago. It's about Andy meeting Edie and how he becomes intoxicated by her presence. He's inspired by her energy and lifestyle. The same goes for Erika and I, she is actually the main inspiration behind my next collection. She's come into my life and almost helped me breath easier. She's introduced me to new movies, foods and music. But the thing is, I actually watch those movies and eat those foods and listen to that band now. We almost sort of take care of each other. I make sure she's awake in the mornings in case she slept in and she makes sure I eat everyday. 

Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick.

We compliment each other very well. Whether it's our style or personalities, we click and work together. I almost feel like she's the sister/twin I never had because half the time we're thinking the same things. We even have the same taste in guys, a little too similar sometimes...... I figured I'd introduce her to you all so you know who I'm talking about for future posts and so I can highlight her style. 

Erika and I after we went to an Art Gallery a few weeks ago.

Erika and I after going to the Andy Warhol museum here in Pittsburgh.

We're a pretty sick team, right? These aren't even our best outfits, obviously. Well I've got to go plan a fashion show now so à bientôt!

P.S. She loves cats, cute boys and The Maine. 

xx Caitlyn

A Look Back

Hello everyone!

I haven't posted an outfit in a while so I figured I'd do you proud and post two today. I've been working to re-launch The Girl From New York and give it a fresher look because I've grown a lot in the past year. I'm also adjusting to a new schedule as it is the Spring Quarter here at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Anyway, last week was the first true and I mean true week of spring. It. Was. Marvelous. Beautiful! So naturally, Erika and I decided to go for a walk around downtown and show off some fab outfits. 

The first outfit wasn't really inspired by anything, I just wore it! I'm in love with my thrifted/DIY boyfriend jeans. I've had the black sheer blouse for at least two seasons now and I'm really trying to reinvent my closet this Spring. My mom always throws a fit whenever I wear these jeans because she thinks they look just awful. However, the key is to mix feminine with masculine and wear the jeans with strappy heels or a chic pair of wedges. Carry a lady-like handbag and bam, you've a chic ensemble that'll catch everyone's eye. 

This second outfit was during a day out with my photo-major friends. (I have an unusual amount of friends who are photography majors..) They planned on going around Pittsburgh, exploring abandoned buildings, which is right up my alley. I had nothing to do because Erika was busy so I asked if I could tag along. I was feeling a 90's vibe that day, if you couldn't tell.. Anyway, this is a shot by my friend, Emily. I was sitting on the steps of an old church. One of those hey-take-a-picture-of-me-this-might-be-a-cool-shot shots. We both actually ended up loving it. Side note: If you guys spent time with me, you'd find out that I think in hashtags. Sarcastically, of course. All I can think when I see this photo is #modelstatus. Back to the outfit, I'm in love with my new Chelsea boots, I've been dying for a pair since they started trending a year or so ago. The trend finally trickled down to my level and I was able to score a pair that wasn't over $100! Hell, they weren't over $20... The rest of the outfit was just kinda thrown together to be honest. I wasn't sure how the weather would be, as we walked everywhere that day. It turned out to be warm....very...warm... But it worked. I had a bottle of Diet Coke and an outfit on another level. In other words, I was good. 

Keep checking in, it's going to be an exciting quarter. 

xx Caitlyn

Chic In Life.....And In Death?

Hello children of mine that aren't actually mine,

today I wish to discuss an article my soul mate, Erika, sent me. It was a simple message, just a picture of an article in an unknown magazine that read, "Corpse Couture, Clothes for Going Out In Style". And I just sat there like........

oh. 

Then it dawned on me how I plan to be laid to rest in an ermine fur coat, vintage Chanel pearls, maybe a blouse that I made by hand and last but not least Louboutins. No pants, though. They're a struggle for me in life, which means zero pants for this girl in the after life. 

I wish I could have read the actual article but neither of us know what magazine the article is in. If you know or see it, let me know, I'd love to read it! So I'm assuming that this is somewhat like a stylist/funeral director-like job? Styling the dead...hmmm why do feel like I can hear Rachel Zoe's voice in my head? 

If there were such a service, would you, if you could, have someone style you before you were buried? 


xx Caitlyn

Designer Talk

      Hey babes. I had this idea that I wanted to talk to you all as a designer rather than a blogger. I recently put some of my illustrations on my Facebook page. By the way! I set up my official House of Riegal Facebook page! Go like it and you'll get the latest on what's happening with my brand. Now, let's talk design. 

       

      Whenever I start an illustration, I always, always, ALWAYS start with the brow. With the past two seasons being all about the 'power brow' *cough cough Cara cough* I've started focusing on the brow. I've always felt it was really the anchor of the face. If you only have time for one element of makeup, FILL IN YOUR BROWS! It really frames the face and just balances everything out. If you look back through just about all of my past fashion shows, you'll see that every brow was well defined and strong. 

       Now back to the illustrations, it's become one of my favorite hobbies! I took my first (maybe last?) Fashion Illustration class this past quarter and LOVED it! I feel I really found my signature illustrating style. My dad was actually an Art Major waaaaaay back in the day when he went to college. I love being able to talk to him about styles and forms and drawings. Anyway, I have a few illustrations that were actually sent into FIT (along with an application, fingers crossed!). So without further ado, here are my favorite illustrations. 

Hope you enjoy them, let me know if you wanna see more!

And don't forget to like my Facebook page, House of Riegal!

xx Caitlyn

Pop Up Fashion CORE

Oh hey guys!

Here's a treat for you all since I really don't post that much anymore. I was featured as this week's designer for Pittsburgh Fashion Week's Pop Up Fashion CORE! Disregard my insane awkwardness, I've only been interviewed once, no twice, wait no actually I have no excuse. I've been interviewed plenty of times... BUT STILL I'M BARELY 18 I CAN BE AWKWARD. Anyway, enjoy the video and let me know if you'd like to see anything post-wise in the future! 

Check out the interview here.

xx Caitlyn 

Last Minute Thoughts & Thanks

Hey guys, I just want to take some time to reflect on 2013. It's been one hell of a year for me, the most successful and exciting year of my life. I just want to say thanks. As I look back on the year, I'm amazed. Truly amazed. Almost speechless. I couldn't have ever imagined having a year like this. I had a fantastic Senior Prom, my Senior Fashion Show, graduated twice, then scooted off to college merely a week after graduating, met some great people in Pittsburgh, presented in Pittsburgh Fashion Week, had my designs recognized and praised, became an established and recognized designer and even dabbled in modeling. All while I was 17, all mostly by myself. Please I'm begging you, look at this and realize that you can do anything you put your mind, body and soul to. I never would've thought I, little Caitlyn Riegal, could do these things. I feel I've grown so much this year, as a person as well as designer. I know what I want out of life and dammit I am I going to get it. (Although I'm starting to accept that I might not get Harry Styles, love you baby.) I'm not just simply saying that I want my fashion house empire known around the world, it WILL be known. Everywhere. In every language. Watch. Stick with me babes and you'll witness the birth of a new phenomenon. Me. WITH COCO CHANEL AS MY WITNESS, I WILL CONQUER THIS WORLD KNOWN AS FASHION. Oh and earth. I'll probs conquer earth too, to be honest. Just a heads up.

Au Revoir, 2013!

Hello, lover! 

 I've been MIA lately, I'm quite aware,so I decided to squeak out one last post before the 31st. 

 As we say Adieu to this past year, I'd like to let you all know what my  favorite things are at the moment...

Scent? Gucci. Designer? Jason Wu. Nail Color? Wine. Hair? The messy-center-part-nape-of-the-neck-ponytail. Shoe? Low, stacked heel bootie. Trend? Hello, structured croptops! Accessory? Hats on hats on hats. Favorite news? A tie between Alexander Wang going after the knock-offs (which can be found at the bottom of this post) and uhm, RACHEL ZOE'S NEW BABY BOY, KAIUS!! 

Little disappointed I didn't get into an accident, die, then be reborn as Rachel's baby. But oh well, some dreams just don't come true. No, I'm not crying. Okay, maybe. Yes, yes, I am. 

Moving on! Just a reminder, although I'm not quite as active as I used to be on this blog, but keep up with me other ways! Follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@caitlyn_riegal) and Pinterest (Caitlyn Riegal). 

Now, I'll be posting again within the next couple of days so keep an eye out. This next year will be an exciting one. All I can say for now is that you'll see big things happening.....

xx Caitlyn

http://fashionista.com/2013/12/why-fashion-designers-get-knocked-off-alexander-wang/

No Longer MIA!

Hey Babies! 

I'm aware that I've been completely MIA lately but I'm a busy little bee so hush hush. However, since I'm such a doll, I'll fill you little sweeties in on why I haven't been blogging: 

One- College. 

Two- College.

Three- College.

Four- Draftin' them patterns all day all night man

Five- PHOTO SHOOTS AND MODELING TO THE MAX

Six- My internet is horrific at the dorms 

Seven- It's difficult being this fab all the time

So that's why I've been so distant. Miss me too much? Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for your daily dose of self-absorption aka moi hehe. 

So last week I was asked to model for a fellow fashionista, Madison, for CollegeFashionista.com. However, the photos didn't come out too well (lightening was wrong) so we had to redo the photos. Madison sent me the pictures though so I figured the least I could do would be to share them with you. 

One of my favorite outfits lately, so chic yet comfy.

Slip on some 5 1/2" platform booties, pile on the jewelry and you're fab.

So this shot really shows me as a person..

I'm almost always holding my phone with totally fabulous rings on and topped off with an adorable felt hat. Hair so effortless I literally rolled out of bed and threw a hat on!

I'll have more shoots up soon, don't you worry babes. Stay tuned for more fabulousness and for updates on my next show! Until then..

xx Caitlyn

Tres Chic..

Salut mon petit chous!
I was in a tres Francais mood yesterday so I'm pretty half this post will be written in French. Probably horrific, grammatically incorrect, informal/formal French, to be exact but hey I'm trying.
I wore my new "Tres Chic" sweater from Forever21 with my Aero skinnies and smoking slippers. I went out to Starbucks with my friend Taylor yesterday to treat ourselves to some mochas. I've been taking good care of myself with my diet and exercise regimen and I've also been rocking my classes lately, so I figured I deserved some Starbs. I got my new fav, a salted caramel mocha frapp. Mmmmm, it's so good! I shouldn't have gotten the frappicino though, I was already cold! After Starbs, I ran to CVS to pick up my prescription and a new lip stick (shh, don't tell mom!) I had to! I'm loving the dark, 'vampy' shades that everyone's talking about and I felt like my dark lip just wasn't dark enough anymore. So I picked up Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry (477). To me, I think Revlon is the best drugstore lipstick. My classic red lipstick is also from Revlon and it's never failed me. Kayla (roomie) and I made a trip to Southside yesterday for groceries and it got quite chilly so I threw on my (faux) leather jacket.

Don't forget those sunnies hehe :)

Today I'm just taking it easy and working on homework. I'm just wearing my circle scarf, flannel and leggings. I think I've finally found my balance with everything, I feel very centered lately. I'm happy, too. 

I hope you're all happy, too.

Have a beautiful day.

xx Caitlyn

Crunchy Leaves

What's up my babes?! I've been trying to collect myself and my thoughts since Pittsburgh Fashion Week ended, I just had to kind of rebalance myself.. If that makes sense. It's a new quarter here at the Art Institute and I'm in a love/hate relationship with my classes. Intermediate Construction, Fashion Drawing and Fundamentals of Business of my favorite classes then there's Math and then........ ugh Intro to Design Applications. Makes me want to puke. I suck at computer programs, especially anything that has the word Adobe in front of it. I don't really like how everything is online or digital these days, I feel like we really learned things and remembered them when we had to physically write them down. Now freaking Adobe Illustrator. I just.. I can't... I'm very stupid when it comes to these things. Anyway, a new season is here but this Pittsburgh Fall is nothing compared to the Upstate New York Autumn I'm used to. Yes, Fall and Autumn are two different things. Upstate has these beautiful, colorful trees for miles and the air itself is as crisp as the leaves. The smell of the leaves and cool air is the perfect combination and I cannot wait to get back to it. Fall, on the other hand, it has the crunchy leaves, but not many. It doesn't quite have the trees (duh, I know, It's because I live in downtown Pitt) or the colors or sometimes even that crisp air that I crave so much. I just can't wait to be home and cuddle with my mom and doggy. I can't wait to go to Barnes and Nobles with my dad and curl up with good books in comfy chairs. I want to be home, again. I'm not sad about it, I'm just really excited because I know when I'm going home next! I don't think I've ever truly been homesick since I've been at college, I've just come to appreciate where I come from. I think everyone has that happen.

My outfit today is my black chiffon maxi skirt from Forever21, a loose, caramel shirt from Forever21, some rings, one vintage, one Forever21, a necklace my mom made forever ago and last but not least, my studded, pointed toe loafers..... from Forever21.... I didn't mean to make this a F21 outfit, I swear! I also went with wavy hair and light makeup because I felt like it. Blah. I gotta run to class now, I'll blog you later.

xx Caitlyn

Fall Footwear

Loafers and smoking slippers are here for Fall, pick your fav pair and start stepping on
those crunchy leaves!

Fall Footwear by thegirlfromnewyork featuring spiked loafers

Runway To Real Way!

Beauty blogger Caitlyn, what?! Yep, that's right babes, here's a little beauty post about taking the hair and makeup look from my fashion show and taking it out to the real world. The hair I wanted for my collection was a simple yet striking low-pony, tied at the nape of the neck with a strand of hair tied around the hairband. The hair was sprayed with Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturing Sea Salt Spray then kind of thrown around and messed with to create a nice, thick texture. I then back combed it a little with my fingers, sprayed it again, then loosely pulled the hair back, over the ears, tying it back into a loose ponytail. I finished it off by pulling some of the hair at the back of the head back out of the pony tail so it had a little volume, pulled a few pieces out here and there then sprayed the hell out of it with Tres Emme hair spray. For the face, I wanted a fairly clean, bright complexion. I had the makeup team do some contouring but other than that that was all for the actually face. The eyes, on the other hand, I wanted insanely dramatic. So I asked for  huge, huge, lashes and a long, thick cat-eye. Nothing on the bottom lash, though. Aside from the lashes, I wanted a really bold brow the frame everything and finish off the look. Overall, I envisioned a very innocent, feminine look, where all the attention went to the eyes. The collection itself was meant to bring suiting fabrics and furs into my generation of consumers so I wanted to pair the looks with a bright, young adolescence represented in the face. So here's how I had my girls wear the look....

And here's how I wore the look today...

FAB!

Hope you enjoyed my brief beauty blogger career!

xx Caitlyn

Pittsburgh Fashion Week Student Show!

Hellooooo my babies! I feel like I have so much to say about Saturday night (the Back-To-Back Student Show), but at the same time, I almost have less and less to say about it. Anyway, I'll try my best to give a good summary of everything! My collection was chosen to open the entire show and I was insanely nervous! Standing behind the step and repeat, putting last minute touches on my girls, sending them out one by one, having the perfect timing for every look, it was.... It was just inexplicable. This amazing, mind-blowing, nerve-wracking, blood pumping, body shaking, brain numbing, high on life, euphoria, fear, excitement, pride, satisfaction, anxiety, just fan-f*cking-tastic feeling. Indescribable. I was so excited to really have a show where I was a feature and not just a part. There were tons of photographers and reporters there, too. I rounded up some of my favorite pictures from the show, this what I have so far, I'll be adding more by the end of the week. My personal photographer, Emily, will have all of my pictures to me by Friday so stay tuned!

Enjoy!
xx Caitlyn

And P.S. I could not have done any of this without the help of my assistant and best friend, Colin. He has helped me through this entire process, handling things when I could not, keeping me sane and giving me a reality check when I had my occasional bitch-fits. I cannot thank you enough. Love you, bebe.

Macy's Fashion Show! (Pittsburgh Fashion Week)

OH HEY GUYS.
Wednesday night, I had the Macy's Fall Fashions show which was held in the Macy's in downtown Pittsburgh. There were several segments featuring looks from Macy's lines then they featured looks by all of the student designers presenting in Saturday's show. My look was written about in a few blogs (hehe!) and here are some pictures from the show! They had each of the designers walk up with their looks and answer one or two questions. I was shaking and so nervous but I lived! I have very little time to blog this week but I wanted to share the pictures with all of you. Stay tuned for Saturday's Back to Back Student Show which I will be presenting in!!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram, @caitlyn_riegal, for the latest updates and behind the scenes pictures!


xx Caitlyn

Pittsburgh Fashion Week Day 1!

Hello my darlings! So the first day of Pittsburgh Fashion Week has officially come to an end and Colin and I are POOPED. We woke up at finally left the dorms around 1:00 and took a lovely stroll to get us some Starbs. After stumbling over my order about three times (I really needed that coffee), we wandered down to Macy's to see if the window displays were up yet. As a student designer presenting in Pittsburgh Fashion Week, one of my looks was picked to be put on display in a window of the Macy's in downtown Pittsburgh! After walking around the entire store, we finally came to the correct side of the store and yes! The displays were set up!! I did fan girl a bit but then I got all no-they-styled-my-pieces-wrong-who-do-I-bitch-at. So Colin and I went inside and found the woman in charge of the displays and she had it fixed! The pictures were obviously taken before the blouse was tucked into the shorts, though. Also, we had the first event of Pittsburgh Fashion Week last night. That is a completely different story. I don't... I can't even... I just... *deep breaths* It was a fantastic opportunity to network and get to know the city I am living in. (that sentence was intended to be read in complete monotone) But listen guys, I'm insanely exhausted and so incredibly tired I want to puke. Does that make even make sense? I don't even know anymore. Like what is happening. It's 2:40 am. I need to sleep. What is sleep anymore. It has taken me literally four hours to write this post because I have messed up so much.... Anyway, here's my window display! Enjoy, babies.

Xx Caitlyn

Fall is Here!

WHAT'S UP BABES. In a great mood lately! I'm finished with my first quarter of college and I'm back in the beautiful state of New York! So happy I got to come home in September. Fall in Upstate New York is one of my favorite things. To get out of the car in my driveway after smelling nothing but Pittsburgh air for 3 months, fresh air is just... refreshing. So being back in New York, I obvi had to get to the nearest Salvation Army to stock up on some good fall sweaters. I have to run to some other consignment stores to see what other over sized knits I can find. Here are some pictures of the sweaters I picked up during my latest Salvo trip!Also... I cut my hair!! I also did a little ombre on it too! I call this cut my "Fashion Blogger hair". I think it really gives me a modern-yet-edgy-classic-yet-urban feel. I love it!! Five or six inches cut off! It's been a looooong time since I've actually cut my hair. It feels so unbelievably healthy, I highly suggest cutting that long hair short! If you know me personally, yo would know that my hair is my child, aside from my shoes, of course. I have a three barrel waver that I've been using on it and I absolutely love the way it looks! I've actually been thinking I'd trim another half inch off but I don't know. Now up until this sentence, this post was written back in New York. However, I'm back in Pittsburgh because I'm volunteering during Pittsburgh Fashion Week. I have to get going in about a half an hour to meet Colin then we're walking to Station Square for a run through of tomorrow's event. Getting really excited!! Oh and I got new roommates.... we'll see how this goes... (They're BOTH fashion DESIGN majors... I am very territorial when it comes to fashion so again, let's see how this goes.) Welp, I gotta run and eat my breakfast, have a fall-tastic day everyone!

Xx Caitlyn