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

  

It's Happening

I'm attending my first blog conference!!!

I'm pretty sure I was one of Lucky's first subscribers back in 2000, when my 18-year-old self would pour over its pages and placing its sticky tabs on all the items I wanted to buy, but couldn't afford.  Ah...it was love at first sight!  It's only right that my first ever blog conference be Lucky FABB!

I'm beyond excited and already freaking out about what to wear!

Will I see you there?  Please let me know if you're attending so we can meet up!!!  Ah!!!  Love autumn in New York!!!

xoxo

Jenny

  

Back to Back Fab

Life has been so crazy lately!  I feel like I need to play catch up here at le blog to let you guys know what's been going on. 

I had two pretty great weekends in a row.

May 4th I hopped on the train to NYC for one of my best high school friend's bachelorette parties.

Obviously this meant I needed a blow out...

Enjoying a deep conditioning treatment at Wayne Agassi Salon in Brooklyn, while my friends went to an exercise class...suckers!

The Finished Product
Brooklyn does a nice blow out!

Love these girls!
Dinner at Fig and Olive - Dancing at Von

Subway/Penn Station

It wouldn't be right to NOT get a slice of NYC pizza - definitely one of the things I miss the most.

This past weekend I rocked my best twenties fashion at Gatsby.

I think this is a good look for me...
Clearly I need to go to a Roaring Twenties theme party...
Somebody make that happen... ok? 

I loved it.
One of my favorite novels paired with one of my favorite directors.
What's not to love?

In between I had a yard sale and saw Les Miserables...

Yard Sale Diva 

25th Anniversary Re-Staging by Cameron Macintosh

Life has been good:  busy, but good.  

This week proved challenging as well: my personal shopping business is busier than ever, I had two sick kids, a salon visit, Rochester A-List event, Dado fashion show, planned the first ever Rochester Blogger Network event, and still need to pack for next week.  Ah you know what they say - "eat when you're old, sleep when you're dead..."  Let's just hope this schedule doesn't kill me!  Ha! 

Off to Michigan next week for a return visit to Kaufman Children's Center for some intense therapy for my boys.  Not sure if I'll be able to sneak any blog time in or not... just going to have to play it by ear.  I do have a fab DIY beauty guest post lined up and will try to pop in at least once... stay tuned!

xoxo

Jenny

Don't forget to

 

Google Reader will soon be kaput.

Out With the Old

Making lots of progress with Operation Basement Clean Up.  Items have been moved to the garage for Operation Buy My Crap on Sept 13 (please come if you're local - you can e-mail me for details).

Here is the current sale pile:

This isn't everything but I'm definitely getting there.  Still need the hubs to move some of the bigger furniture items.  Getting rid of stuff I don't need feels great and finding things that I had no idea I missed is even better.  Want to know what I'm never getting rid of?

Here's a hint:

Click here to see me poured into shorts I wore in 3rd grade and my entire NKOTB collection.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Hubs has his first football game tonight.  The whole family is up...so blog posts will be slim for the next few days, but hey you should be used to that right? ;)

xoxo

Jenny

I'm all over the place!

Seriously though - I got around this week (it's not what you think).

Get your mind out of the gutter!

Sunday I was featured in the first ever Sunday Spotlight over at Traffic Jelly.  Then my mug reappeared there on Monday.  Wow!  What an honor!


This week, the Kaufman Children's Center posted my piece that originally appeared over at Jake's Journey about my son Colten's struggle with apraxia and our experience at Nancy Kaufman's summer SPEAK program.

And then yesterday I popped up at Turn Around and Say Hello.

I just feel so privileged to not only have my writing recognized, but also feel this profound amount of support and appreciation from two women I have never met, but admire greatly.  Lucky for me I have a shopping date with one of them scheduled for when I get home.  As for the other one... How do you Nebraskans like sub-zero temperatures?  I hear Rochester is a great place to visit after football season.  I'm sure they have great deals on flights in the winter.  I mean, honestly, who wants to come here?  I'll tell you:  no.body.

As for the rest of you thanks for reading and keeping things positive.  With the the negativity out there on the internet its nice to "meet" people who keeps things kind, friendly, and uplifting.  Kudos to you.

Tomorrow's Friday... get excited!

xoxo

Jenny

It's Gonna Be a Great Day

Top Five Reasons It's Going to Be a Great Day

1.  I just found out that I won Simply Sarah's giveaway for a free piece of clothing from Penelope Lane's new fall line!  I never win anything!  I guess I need to stop saying that....

2.  We have a fabulous day planned at Point Pleasant Beach with my mom, kiddos, and my cousin and her adorable little girl.

3.  It's my cousin's 30th birthday today so we'll definitely be celebrating with a frozen beverage at the Martell's Tiki Bar (like we needed an excuse).

4.  Since I'm on an eating tear, what better place to be than the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore?!  I mean COME ON, deep fried oreos? fudge? salt water taffy?  Pizza slices the size of your head?  Bring. It. On.  

5.  I have EXCELLENT leisure reading options... 

not that reading with kids is a possibility... but a girl can dream can't she?

6.  I know I said five, but this is my blog so I can do what I want.  Today I just woke up feeling so blessed.  I have a great family, wonderful friends, and blogging has opened me up to this whole community of women that I never would have met otherwise.  There are so many great people in my life and I feel so blessed to also be a part of theirs.

That's all kids! 

Time to get ready for the beach!

xoxo

Jenny

Evolution

Photo

I need some advice.

(Especially from all my fellow bloggers.)

It seems as though my focus of my blog is changing.

I still want to promote local business and fashion in Rochester NY - but it seems as though that's not the only thing I want to write about.  I'd love to do commentary on all kinds of things:  book reviews, snarky pop culture pieces, personal style, lifestyle, parenting, and just general nonsense.  

Photo

Here is my question for you:  Do I morph this blog into all things Jenny and offer my readers a shmorgishborg of material and just include a page/tab dedicated to Rochester Shopping/Fashion events.  OR do I make a second blog and refine this one to stay completely local and on-point with the original mission statement?

Regardless of my decision, the Flower City Fashionista facebook page will continue to announce new posts and focus on local happenings.

I just don't know whether to evolve or create new.

What would you do?

(hey that rhymed)

I just would hate to end up like these guys:

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Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

xoxo

Jenny