And I Thought It Was Just A Fashion Show

ski fashion 2014 — Emily Summers, from Deer Valley, Cassie Harnett (sporting a super cute navy blue mid layer from The North Face) and me.

A guest post from Cassie Harnett, Castleton State College, Castleton, Vermont

(Note from the BSM: I met Cassie when I was at the North American Snowsports Journalists Association Annual Meeting in Killington, Vermont this winter.

A communications major, Cassie and I started talking about the cute ski clothes she was wearing — it was a fashion show, after all — and ended up talking about journalism. Following that evening, she wrote the following post and shared it with me. It’s my honor to publish her very kind words here, at Braveskimom.com.)

When I, a Killington employee, was asked by my boss to participate in a fashion show at the Peak Lodge, how could I resist? Getting to ride up in the K1 gondola late at night, wearing next year’s outerwear, and maybe having a couple of cocktails? It sounded like a fantastic time to me.

under armor ski clothes 2014 — Cassie, looking absolutely adorable in Under Armour.

In preparation for the show, the other seven models and I tried on the newest styles, from up and coming brands like Under Armour and Roxy, to already well-established ones like Burton and North Face.

When the day of the event arrived, one of my co-workers informed me that there were going to be well-known snowsports journalists from around the country, and that we, the models, had to talk about the newest fashions hitting the slopes.

As a Communications major from Castleton State College, I am currently taking two courses that pertain to journalism, learning about the do’s and don’ts of writing. So when I found out that the country’s top snow sports journalists would be in my presence, I was speechless.

When the event finally began, my nerves were kicking in. I was going to be having conversations with journalists who have been all over the country and have had countless articles published. So, to my surprise, it was also a networking event.

The event was quite a success. The food, from crab cakes to sliders and drinks all around certainly contributed.

Of all the people I spoke to, Kristen Lummis, the creator and writer of Brave Ski Mom, was a treat. She was so welcoming and personable that I could not believe how my perception of writers was skewed. I used to think that writers were these pretentious, uptight people who only cared about the getting the story, but to my surprise everyone I met that night was the antithesis of my thoughts.

Not only did we talk about what I was wearing, but I asked her about where she has traveled for assignments and tips for being the best writer possible. Because of Kristen, I now might want to pursue a career in journalism, traveling around the country, meeting some interesting people, and skiing.

Who wouldn’t enjoy that?

This event opened my eyes into what I possibly want to do with the rest of my life.

And to think that it was just a fashion show.

Again, thanks Cassie. You are so sweet. Best of luck with whatever you do. And remember, most of life is a networking event!

Cheers!