Friday, October 21, 2011

Fashionistas helping Veterans Become Fashion Forward Stylin'....

Fashion and Military - how opposites attract.... 
Rewind many years ago while I was in high school, believe it or not Nency was sitting in a recruiting center to join the armed services. At first I was hesitant as at the age of 5 my heart had already decided that one day my career would be in fashion creating beautiful clothing that would not only look stylish but also help people feel beautiful. I already knew one day I would go to art school and major in fashion design and sitting in the recruitment office filling out some paper work I honestly had no idea if these two could be combined. But...according to the nice army recruiter he assured me that the army had every college major possible. Hmm.. well, ok I said and filled out the "who I am" paper work that he needed to interview me. Once I got into the interview room the nice recruiter was telling me about all the programs that the services offers once you join and it all sounded wonderful - train, do you service and get the education that you need. I listened and already imagined myself creating some pretty amazing army gear - secret pockets, high tech army pants with amazing camo prints... my mind was swirling with creative ideas on how I could make the most amazing army clothing...how exciting! When the recruiter finally finished, he asked.. so what do you want to study/do? I almost jumped from my chair with excitement mentioning, I want to create beautiful clothes! He looked at me with such confusion, and said..."A fashion designer? Oh...Hmm, well of all the programs we have, unfortunately fashion isn't in our list." What?! How come?! I responded... Well, honestly, I don't think it really made it to the list. Our conversation went on.. "well who designs your uniforms? I asked. His response....a manufacturing company in  China. :( Yup, that was the beginning and the end of my prospects to being in the Army. A funny story indeed but fast forward some years, even though fashion and the military are opposites that doesn't mean that the two can't go hand in hand...
Image matters, and in these days when one is in search of landing a job, you have to look the part. So what happens if your someone that has been wearing a uniform for years and now transitioning back into "civilian life." What are you supposed to wear and where do you begin to build your wardrobe? Well, check out the video below on how JCPenney is stepping up to help our Veterans become fashion forward stylin' and ready to nail that interview so they can land their dream job.
"Our military servicemembers spend years wearing a uniform and many do not get the opportunity to build a wardrobe that makes it possible for them to go to a job interview, attend a friend's wedding or simply enjoy a night out with their spouse," said Steve Lawrence, executive vice president and senior general merchandise manager for jcpenney. "Given all the sacrifices they make to serve our country, we're doing our part as a leading American retailer to outfit our nation's heroes with the head-to-toe looks needed to dress for any occasion with style."

Above I mentioned what JCPenney is doing to help our veterans, but I couldn't resist including a footage of how mixing NY Fashion with some Military inspiration can create a Ooh La La collection. Hope you enjoy!

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