FABB NYC 2013 - Put the FAB in FABULOUS ;)

It's no secret that I've been MIA for nearly a week, but if you follow me on instagram and twitter, you know that I have good reason.  I've been in New York for Lucky Magazine's Fashion and Beauty Blogger Conference, or as the cool kids call it:  FABB.

I arrived in NYC on Wednesday afternoon.  I checked into the Ganesvoort Park Avenue, but my room wasn't ready.  No problem.  I headed to the rooftop bar for a bloody mary, told the bartender "hey it's five o'clock somewhere" and settled in for a child-free three days...party!

The hotel was beautiful, the staff welcoming, and the service impeccable.  I loved these dramatic aubergine chandeliers in their three story lobby:

My room was spacious by any standards, enormous compared with other NYC hotels.  It was modern and comfortable with a five fixture bath, sitting area, king bed, and fully stocked mini bar.

Want to see the most phenomenal personal touch?  My initials were embroidered on my pillowcase!!!  If that's not personalized service, I don't know what is!  I was blown away.

After my rooftop cocktail, I settled into my new accommodations, unpacked, and changed for the Jane Iredale event at the Refinery Hotel. 

It was a great time.  Cocktails were flowing, butler-passed hors d'oeuvres were abundant, and makeup artists were working their magic.

I was treated to lip exfoliation with Sugar and Butter, followed up with Crimson Lip Definer, Margi PureMoist Lipstick, and Crabapple PureGloss Lip Gloss.  I loved the final look and was thrilled that I got to take all of the products home with me!

After my lip makeover, it was time to jet over to the Paul Mitchell Raika Studio for hair.  

My dry styling included some loose waves and some minimal teasing.  (Hey, I'm from Jersey, I like volume...)

While many [wiser] bloggers went back to their hotels to rest up for the packed two days of Lucky FABB ahead, this girl met two of her besties at the Standard for cocktails.  What can I say?  Mommy likes to socialize.

 

In completely unrelated news:  can you believe they changed the name of the "Boom Boom Room" to "The Top of the Standard?"  Bo-ring!  They can re-brand all they want, it's still the Boom Boom Room to me!

And is it me?  Or do I have really good looking friends?  You don't get more dapper or gorg than these two...

I digress.  Let's just say that after cocktailing with friends, 6am came pretty darn quick and it was time to get myself together for Day One of Lucky FABB.

What I wore:

Necklace:  JCREW Factory
Blouse, Belt, and Skirt:  Anthropologie
Tights:  DKNY
Booties:  Target

The first day of FABB, included invaluable information on how to turn readers into advocates, where to post what, and major media don'ts.  I heard from Eva Mendes, Bryan Boy, and Kate Bosworth; got in depth previews of The Hunt, Magisto, and Covet; and had time to network, meet with brands, and visit the all-access gifting suite.  It was a Fashion Fan Girl dream.  

Eva Chen and Eva Mendes

Eva Chen and Kate Bosworth

That night, I met my new friend, South African fashion designer, Jenni Button at the Hudson for some cocktails.  We had the best time.  I feel like we've been friends forever and can not wait for her next state-side show!

Needless to say it was another late night for this fashionista.  Oh well, you know what they say:  "eat when you're old; sleep when you're dead."  After a few hours of shut eye, it was time to embark on another packed day.

Day Two of FABB meant even more education and networking through break out sessions.  First up was the founders series, where I got to hear from Jess Lee of Polyvore and Tamara Mellon.  Then it was time to learn how to grow traffic with Lucky Magazine's SEO Checklist, get tips on staying true to your voice with Man Repeller's Leandra Medine, and finally learn some HTML coding basics.

Here's what I wore:

Glasses:  Dolce & Gabanna
Necklace:  JCREW Factory
Belt and Skirt:  Anthropologie
Tights:  Merona for Target
Shoes:  Aldo

And here is the Snap Sac Swag Bag heard round the world:

I gladly schlepped said [heavy] swag bag downtown for Journelle's "Lovely Lingerie Every Day" event where I may or may not have taken EXTREME advantage of their 15% off blogger discount.  What I can I, I'm a sucker for a pretty bra and panties...

Looking back, I can't believe what I crammed into three short days.  It was a whirlwind.  Not only was it an invaluable learning experience, but I made great connections, and had more fun than I've had in years.

There is something magical about sitting in a room with 300 like-minded entrepreneurial women, hearing from the top people in the industry and thinking to yourself:  I can't believe I'm here.  I can't believe I have crafted this dreamboat of a career for myself.  I can't believe I'm lucky enough to be doing EXACTLY what I want to do.

It's that moment you realize you really are a Lucky girl.  ;)  Sorry, couldn't resist that one.  Wide.  Open.

xoxo

Jenny