Week 10 EOC: Plans For The Future

As a fashion professional where I see myself in the future is working for the company i am currently working at right now. Right now I am working for Louis Vuitton and my plans is become their visual merchandising manager but for either their East coast or West coast offices. Right now we pertain to the Midwest offices. Throughout my time working at Louis Vuitton I have worked with the visual merchandiser for our store helping him on the window displays overnight. I hope to work my way up through the company to oversee their visuals. Louis Vuitton is just a small branch of their overall conglomerate which is LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) They own and oversee many high end luxury brands such as Celine, Givenchy, Fendi, Dior and Marc Jacobs. Starting my visual merchandising at Louis Vuitton then branching out to my other favorite brands like Dior, Givenchy Fendi, and Marc Jacobs. I would like to become one of the best visual merchandisers in the fashion industry. I do have a little head start by already being employed by LVMH as an art associate, so I believe that I am heading in the right direction with my dream/goal.

Week 8 EOC: Nine to Five Workplace Harassment

In the beginning of the movie Mr. Hart would refer to his employees that are mostly women "his girls" that would definitely be workplace harassment degrading the employees. Also he made his supervisor go out and buy a scarf for his wife. Making a supervisor go out and buy items for you personal interest is also harassment. Mr. Hart would also use vulgar language when he first met with the new employee. Mr. Harts secretary would dress slightly inappropriate.

Mr. Hart would be making inappropriate comments about Dolly Parton's appearance and the way she dressed. He also called her a dumb secretary at one point; he also gave her the scarf that he made his supervisor go out and buy. These women put up with it because they need a job. That is the only reason as to why they stay. The on the job training was also workplace harassment. When the employee was training the new hire on how to use to Xerox machine, Jane Fonda did not know how to properly work the machine ending in the machine going crazy and copying more papers than she can handle. That would be called lack of proper training and that is also considered workplace harassment. Being unable or not having the right skills in order to complete a task.

Threatening intimidating environment when Mr. Hart bribed his secretary into going to his home after work, if she did not comply he would fire her. There were other parts in the film as well when Mr. Hart gave the promotion to someone else instead of Violet and that someone else turned out to be a man and when she asked Mr. Hart why he hired him instead of Violet he stated that he hired him because a company wants a man and the people don't want to deal with a women when dealing with numbers as well.

Week 8 BOC: Five plus Five Soft Skills

Critical Thinker - In my objective i have stated that once i have my mind focused on a task I execute it flawlessly.

Works well under pressure- I adapt well to my surroundings, even when things get a little crazy in the store.

Dependable- at Louis Vuitton, in my department we have a small staff and we are trusted to be dependable at all times.

Team player- Able to work with others excellently, with previous experience at Louis Vuitton we work with a number of employees.

Week 7 EOC: Profile Statements

As a fashion professional, knowledgeable in the markets and trends; I am able to visually execute an idea for profit. Helping companies manage their window displays to something appealing and desirable to the customers

As a visual merchandising professional, I have helped companies visually strategize and market new products. Forecasting trends to help execute floor and window visuals. Driven with passion and creativity to accomplish any obstacle.

As a visual merchandising professional with experience at a high end luxury brand, I am driven by passion and creativity. Accomplishing every task with proficient and critical thinking skills. I have an eye for detail and execute projects flawlessly.

Week 6 EOC: Job Analysis

Merchandiser at Dover Street Market New York

An experience retailer merchandiser who is responsible for buying and merchandising the goods for Dover Street Market New York is a high energy retail store that specializes in high-end luxury and street wear brands.  We are looking for someone who is highly motivated and is able to communicate within the team internally and externally. Must be self-motivated, self-organized and have an attention for detail. Able to move the business forward and work well under pressure. Have the motivation and strive to get the job done whatever means necessary.

Skills:
Sufficient knowledge of Microsoft Excel
Sufficient knowledge of Microsoft office
Sufficient knowledge of Retail Pro
Understanding of the merchandising and buying markets
Outstanding communication and negotiation skills

Requirements:
Work together with the buying team to make sure all orders are placed on time and processed correctly
Maintain excellent relationships with all suppliers to ensure on time deliveries
Be completely on top of the allocation and distribution of stock

http://jobs.wwd.com/jobs/merchandiser-new-york-new-york-10016-88634303-d

Week 5 EOC: 3 Tweets

Macy's plans to close 100 of its stores, moving its business online https://t.co/JYZlJ6yilS

— francisca evelyn (@rosesandcaviar) August 11, 2016

This can be potentially both a good and bad thing for a company as big as Macy's. Known through the states, Macy's is the go-to department store for the middle class. There is a grand majority of the people that would rather see something in person before actually buying it. Macy's new strategy is too eliminate 100 of it's stores and move its business online. This action is in light of it's recent failing sales reports as it competes with online and off-price retailers worldwide. For the people currently employed for years under Macy's can see a huge red flag coming there way as they set to close those 100 stores within the upcoming months.

The Raf Era Begins at Calvin https://t.co/Zge3Go91mY (from @wwd)

— francisca evelyn (@rosesandcaviar) August 3, 2016

 As of August 2nd, Calvin Klein has appointed a new creative director, Raf Simons and he would start immediately. With his new collection under the powerhouse name, shown in February 2017. Before Klein, Raf was head of the LVMH haute couture brand, Dior and left just after a short 6 months. This move is a huge stepping stone for Klein, appointing a Belgian designer, who never went to school for fashion design and one who has never worked in the states. At Klein, Simons is to over-see the creative direction of Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein Premium, Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Underwear and Calvin Klein Home.

Alexander Wang to be the next designer to partner up with Adidas https://t.co/6udBaupWEc

— francisca evelyn (@rosesandcaviar) August 13, 2016

Although both Wang and Adidas have been very quiet about their new collaboration is it said that it will be shown during New York Fashion week, Sept. 10th at 9PM. Wang will be the latest addition to the Adidas family in which they have collaborated with designers such as Raf Simons, Rick Owens, & Yohji Yamamoto. Many of these collaborations are long standing and end up having more than one release. Yamamoto started his relationship with Adidas back in 2001 and then the following year, together, they launched the streetwear brand Y-3. It's not a tremendous leap since Wangs brand is rooted with a slight sportswear aesthetic. For example, his collaboration with H&M in 2014 was all athletically driven. It is no surprise that Wang would team up with Adidas, like many designers before him.

Week 4 EOC: Las Vegas Industry

My take on the situation of attractiveness being a factor when it comes to hospitality is very blunt. In a city like Las Vegas that is the determining factor on whether or not you will get hired or not. You need to appear very well groomed and have well hygiene. In the terms of working in nightclubs and bartenders those are considered sex jobs because they in fact do use your good looks and your figure. In order for you to make more money in that type of job field you definitely depend on tips and honestly, the better you look the more money you are going to make whether you like it or not. That is the reality of it. This is a tourist attraction and you need to be able to represent the company you work for very highly. Tattoos and scars shouldn't get in the way of you being hired or not. Those 2 things do not determine how well you can do your responsibilities at the work place. They are not factors you can necessarily control. For tattoos in some situations you can cover them up and look "professional" when working in areas that require you to not have them showing or you can cover them with makeup. Now personal hygiene is something you can control. That is just simple cleanliness and common sense. Do not come into work if you are not 100% ready to take on the day if you smell like rotten onions. Personal hygiene is something that you can control, whether you want to or not it is a big factor in getting hired not only in a city like Las Vegas but anywhere in general. In my opinion if you do have tattoos it would be totally ok to hire you as long as your hygiene is well and that you are well groomed. Also I do know that in some retail markets they do not allow their employees to have colored hair which in my opinion is very idiotic. Nowadays we are entering a new era, many people want to express themselves how they want to and if an employee comes into work with pink hair and gets fired over it is absurd. As long as the employee has their well kept pink hair (no roots showing) than its completely acceptable. Industries now have to change according to the times. More and more millennials are getting tattoos and coloring their hair unnatural colors and to having risk get fired over their job for just expressing themselves like that is out of line and isn't worth the firing process.

Week 3 EOC: This Charming Man

I believe that the NELA sponsors the site because there had been situations int he past in which employee have been abused in the workplace and didn't know if that abuse was illegal behavior upon the employeer. They also support employee rights and want people to have access to a site where in fact they are being protected and there are laws for certain situations. Some of the resources available to the public on the website are what your workplace rights are. Under this tab they include a number of different categories including, discrimination, harassment, benefits & leaves and unions. Establishments that provide a welcoming environment and honor differences are less likely to have employees who feel mistreated and file complaints(PG 385)
It goes through each category and lists in depth responses for each topic. Another form of resource would be the career help tab. This includes ways on how someone can improve on their LinkedIn profile, how to create a great resume, and career coaching. All the tools one would need to help them further in their career path. The other resource you can find here would be how to protect your rights. This helps you on if in fact you do have a problem in the workplace, how to go about it and how to hire a lawyer. Now, this website also helps you hire a lawyer if you do need one. 

Some of the specific work related issues one may encounter would be religion prejudice. In the film when the class (of mostly Muslims) went into the museum to learn about the history of the Dutch the tour guide was being blatantly rude and speaking about how the crusade was a 'real' crusade against the Muslims. Also, when they were in the bar and how the bartender assumed the man doesn't drink alcohol because he appears to be Muslim. Comments like these can be very derogatory to some people, especially in the workplace; creating an uncomfortable situation for everyone. Recruiting a diverse workforce is an active process. It demonstrates the manager’s commitment to honor differences and encourage diversity while trying to find the best qualified persons regardless of race, color, national origin, or other differences. (PG 387) Another issue that could come up in the work place would be bullying. In the workplace it is not illegal for a boss to harass you unless it's done for an illegal reason. The law does not require for your boss to be nice, kind, or even fair but if your boss does treat you differently because of your age, sex, race religion, or nationality then its a problem. In the film the manager at the print shop was yelling at the girl and stating that he would not hire a Muslim even though he had all the skills needed for the position. It is important for employees to know that they are not being judged by factors, such as race and gender, or by other factors, including membership in a group or being the same as or different from the manager or other employees. (PG 386)

Week 2 EOC: Sweet Charity Rights and Wrongs

Rights: One of the things Charity attempted right but also failed was the way she was dressed. She definitely made an attempt as to how she would show up to her interview but she didn't nail the right look for it. she applied too much makeup, she wasn't wearing a blazer but instead a cardigan and she had too much jewelry on.

Wrongs: Although it did seem that she tried she should have done a walk by before her interview to see exactly what the ladies were wearing and try to mimic it. She did over-do her makeup, she was wearing a cardigan instead of a blazer and had too much jewelry on.
Another wrong she did was when she arrived at the employment officers cubicle she was lingering and listening in on his conversation over the phone instead of letting him know that she was there and wait patiently for him to be done instead of looking like she was interested in what he was saying. "Should an applicant for a dish-washing position know that an additional job task is cutting the grass? Does the establishment require servers to mop the floors? Must cooks wash pots and pans? Do storeroom staff need to use a computer for inventory or other purposes? Each of these tasks can be a surprise to a new employee, who might not have accepted the position if he or she had known about all of the responsibilities." (PG. 348)
She explained that she didn't have any skills at all. If she was more prepared for the interview and took the skills that she learned as a taxi girl and transform them into some relatable skills she would have had a chance.
"Current and accurate job descriptions inform job applicants about what they would do if they worked in the position. This information will impact their interest in the job, so managers must develop it carefully." (PG. 402) When the employment officer asked her if she knew how to work a typewriter she stated no. He would continue asking questions to see if she had any skills or qualifications that would help her find a job and question after after she stated no, even when he paused and started asking another question she said no. Remember that an employer of choice is one where employees enjoy their work and encourage their friends and family to seek open positions in the organization. Almost by definition, employers of choice have fewer terminations than do other employers that do not consistently offer an enjoyable work experience.(PG. 349) Also, as an employment officer he wasn't taking the situation seriously. As a professional he should have not assumed that she was playing a joke on him but instead helped her into furthering her career path in whatever field she wanted to pursue

Overall, I believe that if she would have tried a little harder in actually wanting to better herself she could have done it. Instead of begging and crying for the job she should have asked where she can finish her G.E.D. to get ahead in her career.

Week 1 EOC: Best and Worst Jobs

I will start off with some of the bad experiences I have endured during my time being employed at varies locations and coorperations. Back in 2010 I had just recently moved to Colorado and I was recently employed by Vans (skate company) and I had requested a transfer. I started working at Vans at my local mall and for the first couple months it was going fantastic. Management was very clear on what the goals were for the store and what was expected of the employees. We had received news that we would be hiring a new GM (general manager). We were all very open minded but the new GM had very little experience with actual management but we were still willing to give her a chance. it was a total disaster. We would not reach our goals because she was always striking conversations with the employees distracting them from making sales. She would approach certain employees with a nasty attitude and start confronting them about problems in front of customers. She would also make employees including myself do unnecessary tasks such as cleaning the employee restroom during peak hours of the mall rush. I spoke up to the supervisor about these issues and he ignored them and put the blame on the employees. I eventually ended up leaving and found a better job.

Now for one of the best, was the job I had right after the one mentioned above. I started working as a housekeeper at a assisted living home for seniors. I started working as a housekeeper for about 4 months. My supervisor was very impressed with my work and had mentioned to me if I wanted to move up and was interested in working as a caregiver. I accepted the opportunity and starting working under a new supervisor. She was amazing. She had a very well connection to all of the caregivers and was clear on what we had to do to make life for the senior citizens better. I excelled at my job for about a year. Later, my supervisor took me in and asked if I wanted to go even higher in the company as a medical technician. She explained that it held a lot more responsibility and that I would be working alone as I would be working the overnight shift. I accepted the opportunity and started my training immediately. I started working overnight as the medical technician and it was difficult at first but once I got the hang of it, it was fun and an excellent work experience.

My supervisor explained to me that if I had any problems in the middle of the night with any medications, to give her a call. I only had to call her on the occasion that I had to send a patient out to the hospital but other than that the communication between supervisors was flawless and that is what I believed lacked severely in the job I had at Vans.

Week 1 EOC: My Voice

As a fashion retail management professional, I can confidently say that in my area of expertise there isn't just one definite job description and that is what I absolutely love about my profession. One day I could be sewing and helping out with a garment and the next I can be assisting in bringing a store from the ground up. Ever since I took my first fashion class in high school I knew that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I am so very passionate about every aspect of the fashion industry. Even on my off days I love watching documentaries about fashion houses and designers. Clothes in themselves are a form of art and expression. People wear what they feel. I love learning anything and everything I can about street style, luxury brands and couture, even if it is just by me walking into Barney's or a store at Crystals and browsing through the different garments they have. Fashion is life for me and I wouldn't want it any other way.