How Getting Laid Off Was The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

My first day in my new apartment in Florence. Photo by Christel Gellidon

Fresh out of college, I was lucky enough to land a corporate buying job with Macy's West. I was driven and eager to get my career off the ground. Like most new grads I was hungry for success and couldn't see any obstacles on my road to success.

So boy did I get a reality check when after almost 2 years of hard work, just a month shy of promotion, did I and over a thousand other Macy's employees get the shocking news that the entire Macy's West San Francisco Office was being laid off. It was 2009 and the economy was still struggling to recover from the recession. In one of the nation's largest layoffs in a single day Macy's laid off a total of 7000 employees nationwide, 1400 of which were from San Francisco.

Macy's Cutting 1400 Jobs in San Francisco - SFGATE

Working in the heart of downtown SF, we passed many homeless individuals on a day to day. That day, they herded us all into a hotel ballroom to tell us the news. As we all walked out with our heads down and our spirits even lower, news crews were already outside covering the story.

I'll never forget that very moment, when a homeless man I had walked past every morning shouted "Don't worry guys! We'll get through this!". Ain't that life for ya. One day you're rushing to your 9 to 5 the next you are unsure about tomorrow.

The in next months that passed, I saw all my colleagues scrambling to update resumes and tirelessly apply for jobs. Retail fashion opportunities were already scarce in the Bay Area and now an entire corporate headquarters full of people were all competing for whatever jobs were open. It was at this moment I decided to go against the grain.

Everyone is applying for every buying opening in San Francisco. I think I'll go the opposite direction.

Florence at Sunset. Photo by Christel Gellidon

I had long dreamed of living abroad. The adventure of travel had always been a deep passion and the thought of living in a foreign land was mesmerizing. After some research I found a Master's program in Fashion Merchandising offered at a prestigious fashion school in Florence, Italy. Without a thought in the world, I went ahead and applied and before I knew it a month later I had my bags packed with a one way ticket to Italy. I left my boyfriend, family, friends and whole life at home, on nothing but faith that this was the right path for me. Was I crazy?!

Firenze at Night. Photo by Christel Gellidon

YES. I sure was crazy. But I always considered that a compliment.

The next 7 months flew by in a whirlwind of adventure, learning and unforgettable memories. In those months I developed the most amazing friendships with my class of women from around the world. 15 women, studying fashion, each from a different corner of globe, all here together to exchange ideas. From visiting leather factories in Florence, to attending Milan Fashion Week, together we were bonded in this once in a lifetime experience. It would forever leave a mark on us all. And since then we have maintained our friendships, and further nurtured our shared love for travel and adventure by reuniting each year in a different country.

Polimoda Master in Fashion Merchandising & Management Class of 2009

From weddings in India, to New Year's Eve in Brazil to holidays in Dubai, the friendships I developed in Florence, keeps me exploring the true meaning of “The Fashion World”

All of which would have never happened if I had never been laid off from my corporate job. Taking a heartbreaking event, and refusing to surrender to the idea of defeat, I used that very same moment of "failure" to push me towards an ever greater path of success. A true testament to the idea of a "blessing in disguise" getting laid off was truly the best things that ever happened to me. It forever changed my life, and I couldn't be happier to have let it done so.

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Awestruck in Abu Dhabi

An extra excursion on my trip to Dubai, I knew a visit to Abu Dhabi could not be missed. I couldn't have been more right.

The capital and wealthiest of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi is much more conservative and less designed for tourists as Dubai, yet offers equally unforgettable sights.

The greatest of these sights being The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, named after the beloved Sheikh Zayed whose wisdom and kindness united all seven emirates.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi by Christel Gellidon — The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi by Christel Gellidon

Hands down one of the grandest and most beautiful religious and cultural landmarks I've seen, The Grand Mosque was exquisite down to every last detail. From hand cut precious gems that created the floral designs on the walls, to the Swarovksi chandelier, to the largest hand sewn carpet in the world. No corner of opulence was missed.

The stark white marble of the structure quickly took my breath away. The sheer size and grandeur of the corridors and gold decorated pillars that lined them commanded respect.

My favorite of all the details was the gorgeous Kufi style calligraphy that was intricately designed into the beautiful mosque.

The main wall inside is decorated with the 99 names of Allah, in the calligraphy of famous calligrapher Mohammed Mandi Al Tamimi, who also designed the currency of the United Arab Emirates. On this visit I learned that since the Islam religion forbids depicting the image of Allah, calligraphy became the art of the culture. A beautiful craft to depict the most sacred of words and beliefs.

After soaking in the beauty of The Grand Mosque, our journey brought us to take in the views of the Abu Dhabi Marina.

A serene atmosphere at the intersection of the traditional and modern sides of the Emirate.

To end a visit full of extravagance, we continued on a visit to The Emirates Palace. An ultra VIP hotel that seems so much more. Here VIPs were the common customers while the VVIPs enjoyed a separate and private entrance to the establishment all together.

Thankful that they let us, common tourists sneak a glimpse, the Emirates Palace did not disappoint on its promise of opulence. Everywhere you turned the inside was dripping with gold. Gold gilded ceilings even a Gold ATM that dispensed gold keepsakes rather than cash!

A hotel fit for royalty, indeed.

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Colors of Brazil - Adriana Barra

During a trip to Sao Paulo, a local friend took me to visit a lovely boutique by Brazilian designer, Adriana Barra.

www.adrianabarra.com.br

I was immediately blown away by the vibrant patterns and colors.

Her mix of stark black and white with splashes of color was unique.

Every piece was full of life.

Her collections convey the positive energy, fun and freedom of the Brazilian lifestyle.

A breath of fresh air among many muted and simplistic designs trending. It was like walking through one life-size, colorful piece of art.

With a background in several creative mediums including, fashion design, interior design and photography, she left no detail untouched.

From the interior decor, to the rolls of raw fabric, the entire shop displayed her clever knack for visual art. I was delighted to learn she also studied in Florence, Italy as I did.

A truly unique and memorable visit in Brazil. Adriana's vision kept me wanting more.

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Style Profile: Michelle de Matheu

"I show that clothes are a vehicle, a SECRET LANGUAGE. It expresses your personality, thoughts and feelings. "

Style Icons - Streets of India by Christel Gellidon

Photos by Christel Gellidon

Traveling to India was truly an inspiration overload. I could not stop clicking my camera. Everywhere I turned was a moment to capture. Vibrant colors, captivating emotions. A culture shock, and a great one. While the poverty was indeed saddening, I was moved by the overpowering kind and warm spirit of the Indian people.

Here are a few inspirations from the streets of India.

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Going Gaga in the Gold Souk : Dubai

I had been reading about the legendary gold souks of Dubai long before my trip. The souks, or markets of Dubai are located in the older part of town in Deira.

When I finally visited this market of my dreams, the tantalizing array of gold and jewels far exceeded anything I envisioned. It was more than my senses could take!

A born and bread lover of opulence, I was in sheer awe at the extravagance and intricacy of the art being sold at the gold souk.

While Dubai is well known for its wealth and unmatched luxuries, I had never seen jewelry, or masterpieces rather, so breathtaking.

A necklace seems to be an understatement for the massive gold bibs as I will call them, that lined the windows of every shop. These things were pure gold, some encrusted with precious stones that stretched from the neck to the waist. Each with a unique design, down to the most intricate detail. Our guide informed me these beautiful pieces were traditional wedding jewelry for Arabic women.

I had the pleasure of trying on one of these beautiful pieces.

18k pure Italian gold. A mere $55,000.

That thing was heavy I tell you! But I still didn't want to take it off.

Difficult not to feel like a Sheikah in such royal jewelry. A girl could get used to this kind of bling!

Thank you to Hussein and his team at the Al-Romaizan shop for allowing me to try on, a such a high roller piece of merchandise, when it's generally not allowed. This was just one of their many amazing pieces of jewelry.

One day I vow to return to these halls of wonder and buy a gold bib!

She will be mine. Oh YES. She will be MINE.

But until then the glitz and glimmer of my memory will have to do.

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A Birthday at the Taj Mahal

Never in my life, did I expect to visit this world wonder. And here I was, spending my 26th birthday at the Taj Mahal as the sun sets. BLESSED.

Punto de Vista Villa - Paradise in Costa Rica

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of being a guest at the gorgeous Punto de Vista Villa in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. A guest among 20 well traveled individuals in town to attend the wedding of our dear friends, Vanessa and Darryl Grant, we were the lucky group to have the added bonus of staying in the villa.

I cannot say it any simpler but the Villa and it's staff took our breath away.

The view alone is ridiculously gorgeous. The kind that makes you turn to the person next to you and ask "Is this real life?!" From every room on the estate is a breathtaking view of the Manuel Antonio Beach or the lush jungle that surrounds. I saw impressive photos before booking and took beautiful ones during the trip and even those do the villa no justice. Seriously. It's paradise.

From the moment you first walk in its hard not to be in awe. A welcome mimosa surprise toast led by the soon to be newlyweds only added to the feeling.

The architecture and design detail throughout the villa is truly an artistic story. David did an exceptional job creating a harmonious flow accented by chic details. Here I found that intersection between fashion and travel that I live for. Natural local wood accents, open air dining, floor to ceiling windows that allowed every bit of nature's beauty into your rooms. And who doesn't love a rooftop hot tub overlooking the beach? Not to mention the unique and romantic "seating" in the showers! And THE SHEETS. OMG THE SHEETS! An afterthought in most vacation rentals, but the the bedding at this villa was like butter! I don't know if those were some 50,000 thread count egyptian whatever but that sh*t alone reminded you that you were in a luxury villa.

There were so many amazing amenities to the villa. Too many to name.

The food was delicious. This coming from a lifetime foodie. Costa Rican breakfast with bottomless mimosas with fresh tropical juices! And chef prepared private dinners?! DELISH and left you feeling like rock stars!

I will say that having a PRIVATE luxury villa at only your group's disposal 24/7 was a life changing experience, nothing less.

Okay, Location. Beautiful. Design. Exquisite.

The icing on the cake was the impeccable service. I've stayed in several beautiful hotels around the world but never had a 24 hour butler service before. Boy can I get used to being spoiled like that! Olivier and Jossue were not only helpful but FUN as well! They both showed us what hospitality means. From an on-call 4x4 ride straight to the beach, complete with boogie boards and a stocked cooler. To late night bartending and snacks while we lounged in the pool.

The cater to you service was what defined our stay as luxurious.

Then there was THE WEDDING. I don't know how they did it but they fit about 70 guests for the ceremony and dinner without feeling cramped at all! They complimented the touching ceremony with a seamless transition to cocktails to dinner to dancing!

This villa was truly a luxurious and unique experience that will make staying at even 5 star hotels a difficult reality to go back to.

www.villapuntodevista.com

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China: Through the Looking Glass

This Spring the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute brings us CHINA: Through the Looking Glass, a unique look at traditional Chinese fashion and art.

The collection will feature over 130 fashion pieces drawn from the Chinese culture' inspiration. The tone of the collection is accompanied by film clips depicting the influence of Chinese culture on the cinema industry.

“NEW YORK — Combining fashion and film, the spring exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute will be “China: Through the Looking Glass.””

— www.washingtonpost.com

Anna Wintour visited Beijing early this month to promote the upcoming collection., meeting with local designers from the country.

A major landmark at the intersection between fashion and travel, collections such as these not only emphasize the artistic design of the garments but more importantly celebrates the culture that inspires such masterpieces.

As wearable art, fashion draws inspiration from all corners of life. One of the most genuine of those is drawing from one's own cultural roots and reinventing the ideas as their own.

“We have a good tradition of going to the appropriate cities to launch these events…it’s a gesture of support and respect for whatever the subject matter of the exhibition might be,”

- Anna Wintour for WWD

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Ralph Lauren Channels Arabian Inspiration for SS15

Ralph Lauren channels some Arabian Inspiration with camels gracing his Spring Summer 2015 ads alongside new comer Sanne Vloet, looking ever so chic in the desert.

The safari influence is in full effect making the collection's neutral shades and sleek lines give new meaning to the Desert Safari.

Spot on timing for this trend inspiration was my own safari inspirations from my recent trip to Dubai this November. An unforgettable first visit to the middle east.

I spent one evening dune bashing my way through the Dubai desert. Which I must say was incredible fun and exhilarating ride! Riding camels through the desert, a traditional Arabic mean under the stars, followed by dance performance by a dervish and a belly dancer.

Here are some of my own photos from this amazing experience.

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EMILIO PUCCI - Cities of the World Limited Collection Scarves

This Fall, the fashion house Emilio Pucci launched a very special collection of exclusive scarves, call the Cities of the World. These beautifully designed pieces, showcase six of the most amazing international cities across the world: Paris, New York, Shanghai, Florence, Rome and Hong Kong. Each design is a a special hand drawn print that highlights the unique culture and style of these iconic cities, while incorporating the signature vibrancy of colors well known to the Pucci brand.

These gorgeous scarves are only available in limited quantities and can only be purchased exclusively at the Emilio Pucci Boutiques or online store.

Check out these beautiful works of art HERE

I SO want one of these super chic scarves, of course my eye is on the Florence piece as Firenze will always have a special place in my heart.

A truly unique piece for any travel and fashion enthusiast.

The Cities of the World Collection is just THE accessory must have for all those living at the intersection of Fashion and Travel, like myself.

A girl can only hope the House of Pucci will expand the collection to feature even more amazing cities across the world. How great would it be to collect these to celebrate all the memorable cities you have traveled to?! And one for your home town too of course!

Dear Mr. Peter Dundas, a San Francisco backdrop would be nothing short of gorgeous with one of your colorful designs!

Sincerely, Stelavie, Where Fashion and Travel Intersect

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CHANEL CRUISE 2014/2015 DEBUTS IN DUBAI

CHANEL CRUISE 2014/2015 DEBUTS IN DUBAI

Yesterday Karl Lagerfeld debuted the Chanel Cruise collection for 2014/15 in an ultra chic and exclusive fashion show held on a private island, named THE ISLAND, in Dubai. The setting alone speaks volumes for this fashion powerhouse’s ever evolving vision. It’s not just relevant but a force to be reckoned as it continues to command design driven fashion amongst today’s many market driven assortments.

With private boats that escorted the A-list guests to The Island, custom Chanel tents, cushioned floor seating and Arabic fare that set the mood of the evening, it was sure to be nothing short of magical. It was simply beautiful how the Lagerfeld not only chose Dubai as his venue, but incorporated the very culture and heart of the Emirate into his collection and presentation. This collaboration between the culture and fashion is the very ideal that gets me excited about fashion.

AH this even is everything I dream of. High Fashion. An Exotic Destination. Exclusivity and Luxury. Oh a girl can only dream to one day be invited to such an event.

It will happen. One day.

The collection was moving, with vibrant prints, lush textures and flowing lines. The Arabic culture clearly played a huge inspirational role as illustrated by the harem bottoms, intricate mosaic-like patterns and the heavy, ornate jewelry.

The undeniable signature piece was the gold quilted Jerrycan handbag. Structured. Editorial. Boundary blind.

Lagerfeld continues to leave us awestruck.

With my first trip to the Emirates planned for this coming November, this show has only fueled my excitement to discover the rich heritage and fashion Dubai has to offer.

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Every garment radiates elegance and chic sophistication. LANVIN RESORT 2014 MYTRND.COM REVIEW BY CHRISTEL GELLIDON

MYTREND.COM REVIEW OF LANVIN RESORT COLLECTION 2014 LOOKBOOK

BY CHRISTEL GELLIDON

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