Flo Brooks

NATURE VS MAN MADE.

inspirational images below relating to my groups chosen project for term 3 at london college of fashion. very excited to be working with people in a different course area. Hair and make up students are joining with styling and photography students…collaborating. Teaching the ability to work together, NOT to control. Interested to see others idea and inputs. Just have to remember I have a voice too!

Initial outline and production plan

The working title for our eight-page editorial is Man-made versus Natural, which is quite a broad theme but can be developed in many directions. We were inspired by the struggle between man and nature as they both destroy each other, for example through exploiting nature’s resources and natural disasters. We plan to interpret the hair, make up and styling in terms of ‘hard versus soft’, which comes from the title. The most simple editorial idea that also came from the title is to contrast man made and natural materials and objects through the model and location, such as using geometric shapes and metal material to clash with a more organic environment.

However, to thoroughly explore our chosen concept we will create the fashion story that conveys a hidden ethical message or charitable campaign. Poaching is an example of a global issue we could explore from man made versus natural, human versus nature. A specific campaign that has already been promoted by the fashion industry is Project Monarch (MK-Ultra) that raises awareness for the endangered Monarch butterfly. We could apply this concept to any endangered animal or habitat and give it a fashion twist.

http://andressasresearch.blogspot.com/2011/02/project-monarch-mk-ultra-pt-2.html

An additional contextual take on the working title is the effect of weather on our man made world and how natural disasters can destroy what we have created.

Furthermore, real versus fake and how we present ourselves is another alterative. We could use real, natural beauty in contrast to how we can manipulate ourselves through fashion and beauty. Body image could further link to futuristic concepts by using abstract and robot like hair, make up and styling.

For this editorial we plan to use autumn/winter trends from the 2011/2012 collections recently shown to inform our styling, hair and make up. In particular, Alexander McQueen’s use of dark colours, sharp structures, feathers and metal juxtaposes themes of nature and man made. In contrast to this, designers such as Michael Kors portray the trend of colour pop, taking autumnal colours like red and making a bold and bright statement. We could combine these ideas well.

Valte is a Norwegian designer whose abstract designs stood out and inspired us. Her designs relate well to man made versus nature, with some dresses resembling certain animals.

The magazine our editorial could be submitted for cannot be too high fashion due to our low budget, however we expect our images to be eccentric and unique enough to fit into a magazine like Numero. To find a balance between this we have decided to research are Let Them Eat Cake, Purple and Dazed and Confused, as we were felt their style of editorial is similar to what we would like to achieve.

The assigned discipline we have decided for the research journals are the following…

Photography: Luci

Styling: Naomi

Hair: Julia

Make up: Nami

Magazine profile (context and format): Flo

.FUR.

Going back to the beginning fur was not seen as a ‘fashion’ item or accessory but purely a way to keep warm in arctic climates. Pictured below is an eskimo. The original wearer of fur-where he would skin animals he caught and use it for a purpose.

My project was focused around fur in a ski resort. I looked at the process of fur making and the other things that people do with animals, then at how it is interpreted into fashion.

Topshop Boutique Autumn Winter 2010

However I wanted to focus more on fur and the animal prints and skin than on different antlers and stuff.

Inspired by the images below

However, these images don’t capture the same animalistic vibe I wanted to create from my images. I found another series of images (which also include a still image) which was even more appropriate for my project.

BORN TO BE WILD “Steffenwolf” 1969

So, for the focus of my series, ‘wild’ was the concept I selected. I teamed together clothing, location and the attitude and image the model portrayed based around the animalistic theme I was aiming to achieve. I looked at camouflage in an attempt to blend the clothes with their original and natural environment, like an animal would adapt into their environment as a form of survival. The clothes and drapery I used create this wildlife experience throughout the range of black and white and colour images I selected for of my series of photographs.
Fur was my main source of inspiration when it came to taking my photo shoot, which I shot in Verbier, Switzerland. I decided that this would be the best location to capture the animalistic look, mainly because fur was originally used in cold places to keep people warm rather than as a fashion accessory.

During this second term at London College of Fashion I decided that this was the term where I was going to turn over a new leaf. I aimed to be more organized with my time and try to involve myself with the course in all aspects. However, things did not go according to the plan as although I enjoyed the project and thought the brief was so much fun, it took me ages to settle down and choose a song that I like and collect the right looks and ideas together. This unfortunately led me to the waste the majority of the term due to working towards the wrong outcome.I looked three different songs to which I wanted to style my outfits to. The reason for doing so was because by the time I had the end of the project in sight for each song, I would have a sudden panic, and decide that in fact, I didn’t like the idea or the music, then change everything.Finally I settled on ‘Born To Be Wild,’ a fantastic old school song donated to a biker’s lifestyle. The song is about freedom and how there is nothing holding us back. When I found this song I immediately felt a connection and my mind set to work. I thought of freedom and the term ‘wild’ which led to my focus on animal and then the skin.Although it took along time for me to focus this term and choose a topic and theme for my styling, I have learnt so many new things that I would have firstly, not have been able to do without the classes I have partaken at LCF, and secondly I have found a new confidence in the ability of my work. I have been known in the past to keep ideas to myself, not because I don’t want to share them but because I got too nervous that people would not like them, and the nerves I got before giving my presentation last term were horrific! This term I have taught myself the following:It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t work out in the way you wanted you final images to look or if your idea is not the best…its all about trial and error.Mistakes can make u improve.Caring for clothing leant from various shops was also high priority on my list having been leant £6000 worth of fur. Almost immediately I realized the importance of the clothes being looked after away from damage. However due to my newfound professionalism, the clothes were given back in the same condition they were leant. My organization also improved loads because I was using so many things that belong to other people. The lighting I borrowed of a photographer, the venue for the first set of shooting was closed so had to be open for me, the model was one I found of the street.
My Knowledge has only been increased this second term at London College of Fashion. My eyes have be open and shown what can be accomplished with a free imagination (no limitations) and I have had my first taste as to what the fashion styling industry will be like. I tried to put into practice most of the areas we learnt from Tuesday morning lectures and Fridays workshops. I have created and found new terminology and a way to look at and use and talk about clothing, in a more professional and detailed way. I feel a stronger connection towards the production of an image and the preparation behind scenes, all the effort and can focus on detail in more depth than before. I am excited for the knowledge that I have yet to learn both here at L.C.F and as a photographer in the fashion industry.Slowly, I am building up more and more confidence, which can only be a good thing.
My goals for next term are to work out a scheme for my organization as it is still not as good as it could be and sort out my time management once and for all with regular help from study support to keep me on top of research and projects we are given in class.I am going to revisit this project after marking to make sure that I have finished it in a way that I am proud of. I just need some more time.

HEEEEEY.

I’m back. For good this time I reckon. Really going to step up my game with work having completed my second terms project.

As I have said from the beginning, this was the term I wanted to try something new, and REALLY step up my game!

BRIEF: choose a piece of music AND STYLE  5 different outfits to that music.

I began looking at ELEVATOR MUSIC. focusing the feeling of ‘awkwardness’ which I think is atmosphere created inside the space of a lift. You are in the personal space of another person, an intrusion and them in yours and its not long enough to get past the silly small talk so you both just stand there thinking about what you should say to break the silence and most of the time no one does. AWKWARD.

THE CONVERSATION INSIDE AN ELEVATOR…If it’s just you and a random person, do you say hello and make small talk or awkwardly play with your phone and ignore them until one of you gets off? If you’re getting into an elevator with a friend or group and there’s already a topic of conversation, there’s no need to stop talking.  There’s nothing wrong with talking, but be aware that people will listen, no mater how distracted or uninterested they are. If you are rude, tell dirty jokes and smell bad, people will judge you.  If you tell a joke that’s actually funny and clever, not just a stupid inside joke, other passengers will be faced with the awkward situation of weather or not to laugh.  Nobody wants to be seen as snooping on others in the elevator, it’s not polite.  But sometimes things are incredibly funny and you just can’t help but laugh.  Sometimes it’s fine, and polite; it just depends a lot on the atmosphere you’re in.

What you talk about has a lot to do with what setting the elevator is in.  It wouldn’t be appropriate to talk about who was passed out with who the previous night in the elevator of a corporate office building, but in a college dorm it happens casually.  In a sketchy Vegas hotel slash casino elevator, you might not want to associate or even acknowledge the drunk next to you, but not talking to your neighbor in an apartment building elevator might be taken as rude.  All easy decisions, but it’s funny now failure to act appropriately can lead to intense awkward situations.

‘AHHHHHH…….. THE AWKWARDNESS’

I am thinking about how I am going to style the clothing based around my self given theme of ‘awkwardness.’ I am going to look at POSE, MAKEUP, CLOTHES, EXPRESSION, HAIR, OBJECTS…and a whole variety of things…..

First ‘THE POSE’

I have been inspired by Sam Taylor-Wood’s work using the body shape and sillohettes and shadows to create stunning photographs. LOVE THEM!

I love the simplicity yet the power behind her creations. The use of angles and lighting. The misplaced chair, everything builds up to creating this amazing effect of a floating woman. The fact that in non of the images you can see the woman’s face is also fascinating as it creates a mystery to the subject of this photograph.

Looking at different shapes and forms and shadows that the body creates. Looking at dancers and athlete’s who are flexible with their bodies.

This is one of my favorite images-I love how the lighting captures the metallic of her trousers. The angle and the use of the derelict room and the old fashion equipment. The models hair looks golden white…..fantastic!!!

I decided to practice my styling skills, by putting together some outfits with a friends. We listed to the song ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ by Cyndi Lauper.

Such a fun song so I decided to keep the styling really LIGHT and FUN. Lots of colours and patterns and different poses etc …

THE MAKEUP

If you saw some one in the street wearing this kind of make up. Out of the ordinary, you would automatically feel that it was slightly awkward if they saw you staring. People do tend to stare at things they don’t really see a lot and are not used to. This again in my mind creates an awkward atmosphere etc…

SHAPE AND FORM- really interested in the body and the shape that it creates. Shadows and Silhouettes. The image below is hugely inspiring!

TIM WALKER- his use of BALLOONS…different variety of shapes and sizes …. so interesting creating new form to the work.

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND BY DEAN MARTIN

I have also decided to look at a new song, relating to snow and ice and a ‘winter wonderland.’ I went to work in switzerland, mid term and was surrounded all these amazing snowy fields and trees etc…

It gave me the idea to do a photo shoot in these beautiful conditions inspired by some of the images below:

I love the subtle colours in this image. white baby pink ice blue. How it almost creates a snowy camouflage with such beautiful skin. The styling is great and helps to make this effect more powerful.

Her eyes are just amazing. The bright blue and the white mascara is a very clever idea. I like the fact that the model has white hair and the hair styling is so amazing. The background looks great, once again the same colour palette: light blue, white, silver, pale pink.

I think the snowball dress is absolutely incredible. The styling in this image is great. White shoes, the white background with the back lighting. her hair, the way that the models are complimenting each other with their poses. Great Image…where can I find a dress like this!!!!

WOW. Incredible ICE hair! Clever styling. The fact that she is naked enhances the icicles in her hair. Same colour palette. Beginning to get really excited about the ideas I am coming up with for the final photo shoot.

This is one of my own images. I was testing to see what it would be like to have snow poured onto my model. It works quite well. However would have to make sure you could see the actual models face. The blurriness is great and I think I achieve the right sort of colour palette- pale blue, white, dark blue. Minus the skiers jacket!

THE SERIES ABOVE IS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. THE OUTFITS, HAIR AND MAKE UP AND THE MODELS POSES IN EACH EPISODE IS SO WELL THOUGHT OUT. ALOT OF TIME AND EFFORT PUT IN AND IT SHOWS. GOOD CHOICE OF BACKGROUND. COLOUR ETC… love this photo shoot.

All these ideas I have spent the term working on. I have looked and explored various routes and directions to which I can take on the various pieces of music however they just don’t seem to be that possible. For example after heaps of research I get to the point where I should be photo shooting and then changing my mind and thinking its not such a good idea. EEEEEKKKK!!! Why do I have to be so indecisive??

I am going to explore one more song and theme and then choose my favourite idea or if I have time, ideas.

So… its 7.30 and I’m just about to leave for a hectic day at both uni….and other stuff.

Task-Deliever envelope to Marylebone. Oh dear…..a bit out the way but oh well. I’m sitting here just about to step out into a dismal soggy damp london day….cant think of anything worse. But going to be good until I go to edinburgh on tuesday night after m day of seminars.

I am so excited as am going to do some photo shoots up there for a part of my styling unit. Hopefully I can some how incorporate the sea and the coastlines into my images. I am trying to create this image of the powerful woman.

I am also celebrating my friend Kate’s 21st birthday with her which is focused around the theme of…Austin Powers. Which will be a great laugh and undoubtedly I will post photographs looking  at each individuals styling technique. I am also going to be doing some model casting amongst the university students and in the street. I want to find a couple of boys and a couple of girls but ideal I want to use a polaroid camera to  take my image of the cast…so must order some of those bad boys of ebay.

Sorry today is more like a plan of my life than an interesting fact image or film. I am at that stage of term where I am really about to start panicking. I need to send tutors email. too!! DONT FORGET FLOWIE!

Hope you guys have a nice weekend!!

If you are interested in the different types of avaliability of elavator music then please go to this website. http://www.origenmusic.com/free-elevator-music.html

I have now listened to alot of various types of elevator music and some of them actually are quite nice. I know. hard to believe.

This is…….

ORIGEN – Dance Of The Clouds

I think that with this project I am going to focus on this idea of ‘awkwardness’ rather than the actual music. The atmosphere created from this particular genre of music.

So now as a part of this project I am going to be looking at awkward looks created in fashion throughout the past centuries.

HATS AND HEAD DRESSES
I was researching awkward things fashion has to offer and most of the things I found were on the catwalk. I looked into runway at the Hong Kong Fashion Week. One designer that I came across and particularly loved the work of was KAI PING who sent his models down the runway sporting oversized wicker-looking contraptions on their heads and backs. The most awkward looking head pieces I have ever seen….

Some, like the model above, appeared to have the pieces woven into their hair. Others, like the model below, looked so awkward with the apparatus that they may have been attempting to balance the wicker-things atop their heads.

I think all of these different wicker head dresses are so fascinatingly brilliant. All of them look interesting and create an abnormality to Kai Ping’s designs. Makes his work stand out from the crowd.

When it comes to thinking about hats and head dresses the only person I automatically think of is Philip Treacy. His projects are there for a statement at the same time as being really awkward and quite over the top.

(notes from wikipedia)

Philip Treacy OBE (born 26 May 1967 in Ahascragh, County Galway, Ireland) is an Irish milliner.

Treacy studied fashion at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin.

He has designed hats for Alexander McQueen‘s white Haute Couture collection at Givenchy in Paris and for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. He designs hats for all the most important designers in the world including Valentino, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karen. He has been awarded the title of British Accessory Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards on five occasions during the early 1990s. The late Isabella Blow, style editor of Tatler, helped Philip launch himself as a well known milliner and wore many of his hats.

In 2005 Phillip was design director of The g Hotel in Galway.

On 19 November 2007, he was awarded an honorary OBE for services to the British fashion industry by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at a ceremony in Clarence House.

He has designed hats for Lady Gaga in 2009, who later applied for an internship with Treacy. Apparently, since nothing came of this, she faced flat-out rejection.

He has designed hats for various movies including Harry Potter films. He most recently designed Sarah Jessica Parker’s hat for the premiere of Sex and the City.

Heels today are becoming extraordinary! They come with ridiculous heights and styles, shapes. And from experience…are not the most comfortable things to wear. Here are various ‘awkward’ styles of heels…

Beloved fashion designer Alexander McQueen has never disappointed fashionistas. His design house has created some very bizarre designs, and this pair of Alexander McQueen alien heels are no exception.

Inspired by H.R. Giger’s ‘Alien,’ these pumps stand very tall with creepy detailing of scaly slithering skin in a silver metallic finish. The front platform of the heel resembles either an alien’s spooky mouth and teeth or the insides of its rib cage. Then again, I’ve never seen a real alien so I cannot say, but either way, these Alexander McQueen alien heels are pretty out of this world.

Photos of INSA Elephant-Dung Heels

Well….I could go on for ages doing this (there are 100s and 1000s of wierd and wonderful pairs of shoes) but I reckon you have got the gist of the idea. There have been numerous shoes both high and flat which have been created to capture attention and form different thoughts, new ideas. moving fashion to another level. They create an awkwardness that models and some singers have used in there designs to create attention. so awkwardness=attention.

Thats all I have looked at so far….shoes and hats. However I have looked at LADY GAGA as a cultural influence as I think her style causes some quite awkward and unexpected reactions.

http://gagafashionland.com/

UNCONVENTIONAL STYLE. DIFFERENT. UNIQUE.

(WIKIPEDIA)

Contrary to her outré style, the New York Post described her early look as like “a refugee from Jersey Shore” with “big black hair, heavy eye makeup and tight, revealing clothes.” Gaga is a natural brunette; she bleached her hair blonde because she was often mistaken for Amy Winehouse. She often refers to her fans as her “little monsters” and in dedication, she had that inscription tattooed on “the arm that holds [her] mic[rophone].”She has another six known tattoos, among them a peace symbol, which was inspired by John Lennon whom she stated was her hero, and a curling German script on her left arm which quotes the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, her favorite philosopher, commenting that his “philosophy of solitude” spoke to her.Towards the end of 2008, comparisons were made between the fashions of Gaga and fellow recording artist Christina Aguilera that noted similarities in their styling, hair, and make-up. Aguilera stated that she was “completely unaware of [Gaga]” and “didn’t know if it [was] a man or a woman.” Gaga released a statement in which she welcomed the comparisons due to the attention providing useful publicity, saying, “She’s such a huge star and if anything I should send her flowers, because a lot of people in America didn’t know who I was until that whole thing happened. It really put me on the map in a way.”Comparisons continued into 2010 when Aguilera released the music video of her single “Not Myself Tonight“. Critics noted similarities between the song and its accompanying music video with Gaga’s video for “Bad Romance”. There have also been similar comparisons made between Gaga’s style and that of fashion icon Dale Bozzio from the band Missing Persons. Some have considered their respective images to be strikingly parallel although fans of Missing Persons note that Bozzio had pioneered the look more than thirty years earlier.

Gaga’s influence on modern culture and society has provoked the University of South Carolina into offering a full-time course titled “Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame”in the objective of unravelling “the sociologically relevant dimensions of the fame of Lady Gaga with respect to her music, videos, fashion, and other artistic endeavors”.

So….im quite behind with this project considering I have only just chosen my song. I am excited now to FINALLY start my project after weeks and weeks of choosing one piece of music then scraping it and completely changing my mind.!!!!

So, escala palladio remix is the one. I would love to know your immediate thoughts because right now my mind is going all over the place. The reason I finally settled with this one because I reckon that hopefully it will be slightly different from what other people in my class have chosen. I reckon there will be a lot of songs based on rock and roll and a kind of punk like style but I am very excited to see everyones various ideas because I think that this is a really interesting subject to be looking at. I will be looking at fashion shows and the creative art of the set and trying to incorporate some of my favorite art directors ideas into my final piece.

Thinking back to last term I have to remember to keep my ideas simple to an extend without making them boring. I need to push myself but not so far that I turn into the complete hectic mess that I did last term.

Now is really time to start focusing!!!!! IM RUNNING OUT OF TIME.

Today was really inspiring. One of the videos we watched was:

Get Out of my Face feat. Grace Jones…really enjoyed this today. although its fairly wierd! I like the awkwardness of the beginning and the out of the ordinary.

Here are some various catwalk collections that I looked at with strange styling techniques to give the show something extra.

oK. Maybe this is an aweful idea (PLEASE GIVE CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK) and this isnt, PROBABLY, the best clip to show when trying to explain my idea for this 2nd terms project relating to my fashion styling and photography course. Not the most awkward elevator scene but I think you can kind of get the jist.

Today I was thinking about my recent trip to New York where we went up the empire state building. Yes….alll the way to the top.

The social atmosphere created by elevators is inherently weird.  It can’t be changed, it can only be observed and acknowledged because no matter what, elevator rides will forever be the hearth of awkward situations.

In the material sense, an elevator “is vertical transport vehicle that efficiently moves people or goods between floors of a building” (WP).  In the situational sense, elevators are clichés for awkward moments.  The idea of cramming yourself into a box filled with strangers where there are no formal rules of etiquette or manners would sound strange if you weren’t thinking about it in context of riding an elevator, and even in context it’s weird.

I feel like there are a bunch of unwritten and unspoken rules for riding an elevator, but they’re inherited as a kid and some people never really catch on.   Failure to abide by these unspoken rules will no doubt result in awkward situations.

What about conversation inside? If it’s just you and a random person, do you say hello and make small talk or awkwardly play with your phone and ignore them until one of you gets off? If you’re getting into an elevator with a friend or group and there’s already a topic of conversation, there’s no need to stop talking.  There’s nothing wrong with talking, but be aware that people will listen, no mater how distracted or uninterested they are. If you are rude, tell dirty jokes and smell bad, people will judge you.  If you tell a joke that’s actually funny and clever, not just a stupid inside joke, other passengers will be faced with the awkward situation of weather or not to laugh.  Nobody wants to be seen as snooping on others in the elevator, it’s not polite.  But sometimes things are incredibly funny and you just can’t help but laugh.  Sometimes it’s fine, and polite; it just depends a lot on the atmosphere you’re in.

I am excited to embark on this project. I think there are alot of interesting directions in which I can go to progress my chosen topic towards my styling hopefully by learning and discovering interesting and ‘awkward’ facts. Now gotta find my elevator music!

MUST SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

I was lucky enough to go to the press showing of chalet girl last night with my good friend Jack who was there writing an article for World Ski Guide website. The film is amazing and not going to lie, maybe even shed a tear at the end. It was a great film with lots of young banter. I thought that the layout and style was that in which truly represented the vibe in a ski resort having done a season myself. Unfortunately the very eligible Edward Westwick was not the clint I was waiting on… A great story line but I think maybe some background knowledge on skiing or boarding, or a particular resort is need to truely understand and get to grips with the atmosphere created in the film. However I could be completely wrong…so let me no what you think once you have watched it! Coming out February!!

After going to see the film, all I wanted to do was put my skis on and ski back home! JUST want to be back in the mountains….dont get me wrong! I love my course. But nothing is as good as being in the BUBBLE.

Maybe there is more chance for me in ski and skiwear photography???  I am looking to get an internship with this photographer. MARCO SHAPIRO

http://www.markoshapiro.com/

However. I think snow sport and possibly other types of sport photography was an area of photographer where PURE TALENT was what you needed to capture an incredible shot. That image was all down to one chance and one chance only after hours and hours of preparation to create that idealist and amazing shot that could never be copied or repeated however things have completely changed now with the ever rising change in technology, almost any person can step onto the piest and hold down a button and take numerous shots of one jump for example or one run. And then pick from the best. But hopefully I will be able to see the ins and out of it from properly working with a genuine and im my opinion incredible photographer in Verbier, Switzerland as Marco Shapiro.

So….great start to my new years resolution——START WRITING ON MY BLOG EVERYDAY FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR! hmmm already missed 25! whhoooops. Sorry for those who like reading my stuff for the neglect I have been giving to my ‘blog’ for the past maybe 2 months. I’m hoping its 2 not 3. eeeek! SARRRRRRRRRRY.

I have been away  teaching as a ski instructor in Verbier, Switzerland this Christmas. The mountains were a perfect get away after a very hectic first term at LCF. I was so overtired and really in need of a proper nights sleep and some fresh mountain air. If your looking for a ski holiday then GO TO VERBIER. (and look me up for some lessons! haha) Honestly, my second home…most beautiful and friends bubble in the world. I say bubble because when your there for along time, it becomes you whole world (not in a cheesy way or anything) meaning nothing else is important or remembered from the ‘outside world.’ What happens in the ‘bubble’ stays in the ‘bubble.’

Here are a few holiday snaps!

So theres a bit of me and my crazy family on the slopes. We then had our ‘cultural trip.’ Literally felt like the most spoilt child going on 2 holidays but it was soooo lovely.  Had such a great time and saw some of Thailand, Koh Samui. Rubbish Weather but such a treat. Blue sea. Charming Aussies! And  Brown Bodies (we were the palest people on the whole island.)

For New Year we headed over to Koh Phangnan which was INCREDIBLE. Best way to start 2011. A few pictures from our holiday in the ….sun!?!?!

NOW IM READY FOR THIS NEW TERM. DONT GET BEHIND. DONT SKIP LECTURES AND SEMINARS. 100% COMMITMENT. AND FOCUS. ITS ONLY 10 WEEKS UNTIL THE NEXT HOLIDAY SO MAKE THE MOST OF MY STUDIES (as nerdy as that sounds!!! )