rih - I’m On The Pursuit Of Happiness And I Know Everything That Shines Ain’t Always Gonna Be Gold

13/12 CHALLENGE PART 1.
-Camille Ford
 

Alex wore a frown on his face as I walked into the kitchen this morning. He handed me my coffee without even looking at me before (noisily) made breakfast without saying a word.
 
"Something's not okay and you don't want to talk about it," I spoke, taking a sip of the coffee as I perched myself on the kitchen counter stool. I had been staring at his back for a while before he finally turned around, sliding omelette onto a plate.
 
"I don't like having people in my place," he said, clearly sounding frustrated, as he placed the plate in front of me. Then he stared me in the eyes, and I suddenly felt uneasy.
 
Then I realized why I should be.
 
"Oh, you mean the camera and crew from the show..."
 
"Ding ding ding!"
 
He tossed the pan into the sink before throwing his apron aside. I took a bite of the omelette and wished the floor would swallow me whole.
 
"I'm so sorry I've to drag you into this," I said softly as I managed to pull him to take a seat on the stool next to mine. He sat without complaining.
 
"I can talk to my Dad and see if I can stay over at his place since he's out vacationing in the Caribbeans for a few weeks," I suggested, hoping it'll help him out.
 
I owed Alex, especially since I was staying at his place for free, and the last thing I wanted was to anger him in any way. I knew how cameras can get on one's nerves at times.
 
Alex was just about to say something when his doorbell rang. I froze, while he let out a defeated sigh.
 
"I think it's a little too late for that, Cam," he said as he dragged himself to answer the door. I heard the front door opening, before Alex reappeared with a a bunch of guys tagging behind.
 
"Here's the star of the day," Alex said sarcastically before asking the crew if they had wanted some coffee. They all agreed, and he must have wanted to kick himself for even offering.
 
"Nice place," the producer complimented as he scanned the place.
 
"You've got that guy over there to compliment," I gestured towards Alex, who was busying himself trying to find enough mugs for everyone. "It's his place, I'm just the roommate."
 
I said the last comment a little louder, hoping Alex would hear it and maybe calm him a bit. He did, and rolled his eyes instead.
 
"Now," I turned back to the producer, who were busy with the other guys setting up their cameras. "Should go pay a visit to my closet first?"
 

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5 Essential Items:
 
One- A good pair of jeans. With the right cut, it's every girl's best friend. You can dress it up or down, and still feel comfortable.
Two- Black suit. Makes you look professional, and I dig girls in suits. It's sexy without showing off too much.
Three- Basic tees. I have them in every possible color to mix and match with the other pieces in my closet.
Four- Wedge sneakers. I jumped on the trend's bandwagon and haven't looked back since. The Isabel Marant ones are perfect, as they look super cool and practical enough for me to run around to do my daily chores without hurting my feet.
Five- Proenza Schouler PS11. They're chic, they're practical, and they're Proenza Schouler. 'Nuff said.
 
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Mornings at the GAP office would usually be spent answering phone calls or checking up emails at my desk, which I realized had bored the crew. They would probably edit the whole part out, I thought to myself as I turned to the producer.
 
"I think this is living proof that the fashion industry isn't all fun and glamorous," I said with a light chuckle. I caught the cameraman stifling a yawn and felt somewhat bad for him.
 
As if on cue, the phone rang and I (along with the crew) ended up rushing out of the office for a quick meeting with a designer. It was as if the Heaven's heard my plea, and a string of meetings followed before I ended up running around the city trying to meet up with everyone on the list.
 
Suddenly 24-hours wasn't enough. But it did brought back a smile on the producer's face.
 
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Why did you decide to come on Running In Heels?
I really wanted a career change. My current job is great and I love it since it's not much different from being a stylist, but what the show could offer was an instant way for people to know my name and what I can do. There really was no thinking twice about deciding to be on this show.
 
How did you feel when you were accepted?
I was so happy when I found out, then the nerves started to hit when I realized how there'll be cameras (glances at camera in the corner) following me around.
 
What do you think you will bring to the show?
Probably some sanity and show people that you don't need to be loud or quirky or obnoxious to make it in this industry. Sometimes simplicity and being down-to-earth is a good welcome to this already very crazy world of fashion.
 
What are you looking forward to the most about the show?
Winning. (Chuckles) I kid, though that'll be pretty sweet, too. I'm super excited to get my hands on styling for the upcoming challenges. It's like a grown up version of playing dress up. Fun, right?
 
Why you should you win?
Because I'm good and just the right person the industry's looking for? Shouldn't that be the right answer? I mean, let's be honest; anyone can work hard, and anyone can say that they've put their best effort. But many people work hard, too, and they don't all be what they wanted. (Gives a light shrug)
 
-
 
I had made plans to have dinner at my Mom's place, but I had somewhat left out a small detail before coming over. Her toy boy Phillip answered the door and boy was he pleasantly surprised by what he saw.
 
"Sorry I forgot to mention the cameras," I said, though it didn't really matter as Phillip and my Mom both welcomed the crew with open arms. They always have a soft spot for cameras.
 
"So I'll be like a famous cameo or something, right?" That was my Mom's idea of a joke, but I suppose she was famous and judging from how the cameras would not turn away from her, she could probably be a good thing for the show.
 
"What was Camille like growing up?" the producer asked her as we settled down in the living room - the view of Central Park greeted us from outside the balcony of my Mom's penthouse.
 
I shot a look at her, praying that she would not bring out the baby photos (she did - and quick she was to go and grab them for everyone's viewing) before catching Phillip holding back an amused grin. I slapped his arm when the cameras weren't looking, and he ruffled my hair. Somehow, a camera managed to get that just on time.
 
"Are you two close?" asked the producer.
 
"If close you mean I could jab his arm without feeling guilt, then yes, we are," I answered with a grin as I combed my hair with my fingers, trying to get it in place again. Then I turned to the camera again with a light smile.
 
"People say crazy things about my family, but really, we're not that bad. Everyone's really nice and we all get along well."
 
My Mom reappeared, strutting down the hallway back into the room with stacks of photo albums. She was all grin and smiles as she started showing them.
 
I slumped lower down my seat, suddenly wishing I had dinner back at my (Alex's) place instead.
 

-
 
Describe your own personal style?
My mom says I've the most boring closet she'd ever seen (laughs). I love basic pieces, and I always look at comfort and practicality over anything else. I guess you can say I prefer a minimalist style. But simple is not necessarily boring.
 
If you could have any celebrity closet, who's would it be?
Tilda Swinton. I wish I could be friends with her, too (grins).
 
Name some designers, photographers, blogs, models that influence your work and what you like about them.
There's just too many of 'em to list. I don't just have one favorite designer or label, and I get inspired just by walking down the streets of New York City everyday. So many people with such different styles, and they're not all clad in designers head-to-toe, either, so that makes it even more interesting.
 
Name the one item that everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A white buttoned-down shirt. It's a classic - and both guys and girls should have them.
 
Do you typically follow trends or stand out on your own?
I do follow trends - so does everyone else - but it goes back to whether I like what the trend is or not. I know what my style is, what I'm comfortable wearing, so you won't find me dressing up like Nicki Minaj anytime soon.
 
If you could dress one celebrity/model/etc who would it be and why?
I'll go back and say Tilda Swinton. I love, love, love her so much as an actress and a woman who's so comfortable in herself and her own style. Our own personal style isn't much of a difference either, but I guess it's for selfish reasons that I'll choose her. (Chuckles)
 
Have you always been intrigued by fashion? When did you first become interested?
I don't know when it started, really. Maybe it's the influence being raised by a supermodel and watching my mom dressing up everyday. It's so fun playing with her clothes. That thrill you get when you dress up your Barbie when you were kids. I don't really know how to say it, really.
 
What is your favourite era of fashion? 50's, 60's, 70's, etc.
I like the current era, actually. You can see the mentioned eras reinvented by designers trying to give a modern twist to it, and we get inspired by the new age of bloggers and streetstyle photographers. You don't get that in the past.
 
What are you favourite colours to incorporate in your wardrobe?
As much as people tend to say I have a boring closet, I actually do love colors. I'll say stick to the monotones but at the same time a pop of red will make a nice surprise. A lady never looks bad in red.
 
Who is your biggest style icon?
Hmm... the people of New York City? (Laughs) Like I said, I get inspired by what I see on the streets. So yeah.
 

If you weren't working in fashion what would you be doing?
Working in publishing. That comes with the family name, I guess.
 
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully still doing what I love, which is working in this industry. It'll be great to have established my own name by then. And oh! I'd like to have my own apartment, too, just so my best friend Alex can finally get lucky with a lady without worrying about me next door (laughs).
 
What are your parents thoughts on your career and lifestyle choices?
I don't think they really care (chuckles lightly), but my Mom's always excited with every success that me and my brother got so far.

How do you relax?
I sleep? I tend to wake up late during the weekends, just lazing around in bed. It helps to get the energy back for the day.
 
Favourite movie/tvshow/musician.
Ooh, I don't watch much TV, and I watch whatever Alex watches. But I love Modern Family, and How I Met Your Mother. I did enjoy the first few seasons of Project Runway then the next few ones were just ... bad. I listen to The Rolling Stones, Kanye West and Carly Rae Jepsen - in other words, I listen to everything (chuckles). Except maybe country. I can't seem to get into them. No, not even Taylor Swift.
 
Biggest Fear?
Confrontations. I don't like fights or arguments, and I always try to avoid them. Period.
 
Favourite thing to do in your hometown?
Since New York IS my hometown, one of my favorite thing to do is just to sit down for a meal with my family. It's hard to gather them all in one place, but spending time with them is the best thing I could ever want.
 
Three words to describe yourself?
Optimistic, carefree... and simple.
 
What is happiness to you?
Many things make me happy. But I guess just being able to live another day to pursue your dreams is pure happiness.
 
What can you not survive without?
A goal in life. (Burst out laughing aloud) I know it's so cringe-worthy cliché but I don't think I can live without having a purpose or a goal. Then life will just be a drag for me.
 
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tags: @elizabeth-kate @nessazura @sarahstardom @chrissykinz @kkerry @ancalime5 @petit-lapin @spacelava @queenb-nyc @followyourbliss ... not sure if i missed out anyone. and god, this took me so long. lol!