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

  

Two for Tuesday: Fringe Cardi

I am LOVING my olive green fringe cardigan from Peppermint.  It's super comfy (feels like your favorite t-shirt) and is so much fun to style.

Check out two of the ways I've worn it lately.

1.  With Printed Green Skinnies and Booties:

Sunnies & Skinnies:  GAP
Tee & Necklace:  Old Navy
Cardigan:  Peppermint
Booties:  Target

2.  With Gray Denim Skinnies and Suede Boots

This look is 80% LOCAL - #SHOPLOCAL
Cardigan:  Peppermint
Shirt:  Target
Necklaces:  Peppermint, Claire Flair
Jeans:  BlueLab via Kouture
Boots:  Aldo
Undies (not pictured):  Devil May Care
Rings:  Artwark, LiaBeau, Brittany Leigh Jewelry 
Bracelets:  Vintage and Alex & Ani
Watch:  Michael Kors

Which look do you like best?

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Leaving today for NYC - Lucky FABB here I come!  Let's just say I didn't under pack - by the size of my suitcase you'd think I was spending a month in Europe, not three days in New York... oops!

 

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

  

Spring Trend Watch: Floral Pants

If you've opened up a magazine in the last few months you've seen them:  floral pants.

I can't decide how I feel.  I'm on the fence.  In flux.  Wishy.  Washy.

Here they are styled three ways in Lucky Magazine's April 2013 issue:

Look 1:  Peplum and Oxfords
Look 2:  Mixing Stripes and Florals
Look 3:  Sweatshirt, heavy metal details

Here they are in anthropologie:

Here's me trying on a pair in the Sears dressing room:

I couldn't decide - so I didn't buy them.   But, I keep thinking about them.  

So I did what any other red-blooded American woman would do:

I conducted an uber-scientic poll on facebook to see what my friends thought. 

I got the following responses:

(I've removed identities to protect the innocent)

1. "Super cute!"
2. "You look good in anything but i think the pants themselves are just awful!!!! lol."
3. "I'm so out of the loop. My grandma had a couch that looked just like that."
4. "I definitely had a backpack like those. I LOVED that backpack. In 1993."
5. "They would be great for spring and they look super cute!"
6. " I don't know... A yellow tank and tori burch flips with a cute necklace might do the trick. I like things other people hate lol"
7. "Super cute"
8. "Everything old is new again. if anyone could pull them off, it would be you"
9. "I like them!"
10. " No." <--- perhaps my favorite response of all - an emphatic NO lol
11. "I would feel like such an ass, but as everyone has said you look cute and can totally pull them off."
12. "Buy them you can wear them they are cute! Def flats and yellow or even coral tank"
13. " Love them!!"
14. "Of course!"
15. " DOOOO ITTTTT!!!! Lol! You look amazing in them and they are adorbs :))"
16. " No. In one month you will not regret not buying them."
17. " I think you would have to move to Florida to get good use out of them."

What do you think?  Yea?  Or nay?

I still can't decide.  Seventeen people weighed in and I can't make a decision.  I feel like my mother.  

I mean they are on sale for $23.99.. worst case scenario I wear them once and consign them.  Right?  Right??  They look just like the ones in anthro... Ugh!  Tell me what to do! 

Tell. Me. What. To. Do.

xoxo

Jenny

Made in America Monday - Acoustic Denim Part 2

Just in case you missed last week's post, you can read all about the fabulous American-made brand Acoustic Denim here.  Today is also the last day to enter my giveaway for a free pair of Acoustic Denim jeans.  Yes, free jeans.  In your size.  What the heck are you waiting for?  You can enter now.  I'll wait right here until you come back...

.....

Back?  Super.

I'm in love my Acoustic Denim.  I've been wearing on and off all week, so I decided to show you another way to style a high waisted skinny jean.  Until I got this pair from Acoustic, I don't think I had worn a pair of pants on my waist since elementary school.  Well, except for that time senior year of high school that I had to dress up like a sailor for Oliver!  (But I also wore painted-on sideburns, so I don't think you can count that as a fashion statement).  Definitely not one of my brightest moments...

What a bunch of whackos!  It's a wonder we all turned out alright... I actually can't believe I just shared these photos.  How about we never talk about this again?  Ok?  Great!

That being said, you can pull off a high waisted jean without a.  looking like a man or b.  getting that lovely mom jean effect.

Here is how I wore mine:  (I even managed to tie in a nautical theme without actually dressing like a sailor...bonus!)

Acoustic Denim jeans, Target blouse and pumps,  Anthropologie belt,
Louis Vuitton bag, Forever 21 earrings, Balla Bling bracelet,
Michael Kors watch, Jewelry by Lindsay bracelet, JCREW bracelet,
Thrifted bracelet, Flea Market Girl necklace via Shop Peppermint,
Hair styled by Allora Salon and Spa - Victor NY

Bernado Faux Leather Jacket
It was 60 degrees in Rochester in January.
Woot.  Woot.

Have I finally convinced you holdouts to enter my giveaway?  Great.  Enter here.  

These puppies could be yours:

How will you wear yours?

xoxo

Jenny

Made in America Mondays ~ Acoustic Denim Giveaway

Let's talk denim today shall we?  I just found out about this fabulous new made in the USA brand called Acoustic Denim.  

Here's a little bit about the company:

Acoustic Denim is all about American made denim. In fact, all of our products are made right in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Our vision is to produce American products that highlight the most current trends in fashion. The company leaders are veterans with 30 years of experience, and we believe in a hands on approach to quality control.

The name Acoustic was chosen, because it reflects the company’s ideals. Acoustic is raw, original, without influence, and more importantly, it’s about natural outcome from hard work. The mission at Acoustic is just that, to bring in all abilities in order to achieve a beautiful outcome in the products. Acoustic Denim’s emphasis is in the originality of American made denim for customers who appreciate American fashion.

I typically have a hard time finding jeans.  I'm 5'9 (long legs) and curvy (junk in the trunk).  Usually if I can get pants to fit my butt/thighs they are swimming around my waist.  And if I do find a pair to fit my mid section they tend to be too short.  Ah, the old waiting-for-the-flood effect.  Not.  Cute.  Thank God riding boots are in - I can tuck my too short jeans into them and no one has to know a thing!  ;)

However, my two fabulous pairs of Acoustic denim fit like a glove without a visit to the tailor.  Hallelujah!  They are even long enough to wear with heels.  Shut.  Up.  These jeans fit great, are high quality, and made in the USA.  What's not to love?

Oh, almost forgot to tell you the best part!  This brand is only available at few select boutiques right  now, but Acoustic Denim is giving a pair away to one lucky Flower City Fashionista reader!  You can be one of the first of your friends to own what is sure to be one of the most popular brands of denim in the USA.  If you win, you will have your choice of the two styles that I am modeling below.  (Let's keep in mind that I use the term "modeling" loosely.  I have about three poses and my husband takes pictures of me in our living room with my i-phone...)

Pair # 1 High-Waisted Dark Wash (Size 31):

Pair #2 Raspberry Railroad Stripe (Size 30)

And now for the giveaway!  You will win your choice of either the raspberry railroad stripe or the high-waisted dark wash.  Sorry, but US residents only.  Available in sizes 25-31.

Best of luck lovelies!

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo

Jenny