Blogger's Night Out - September 9, 2011

To top of the end of my fashion week experience, and after some uber delicious sushi with Sonia of In Pursuit Of Style, we attended the first annual Blogger's Night Out at Pranna, NYC. And since it was on the same day as the Nicole Miller show, that explains why I'm wearing the same outfit...

Organized by fellow bloggers (check out the official site for a who's who), the event brought together bloggers from across the states to convene and talk fashion, beauty and check out some unique vendors.

One of my favorites, Zoya, was on hand showcasing their new Fall 2011 collections, Smoke and Mirrors, the later of which I received in my gift bag. I'm already wearing Dree, a light green fatigue hue that's perfect for fall. 

Throughout the night, bloggers spun the wheel at Lulu's to win prizes or discount cards. A pair of boots I was hoping to win went to Andrea of Blonde Bedhead. To say I'm jealous is a bit of an understatement, but she's a doll so good for her!

For an inaugural event, it was awesome! It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new ones and of course, throw a few back and mingle! We really need more events like this in the blogging community, and hopefully, this won't be the last time! 

Me and my girl Candy from Taylor and Demolish.

Myself and Nicole of Black Shoe Diary. 

I had some serious necklace envy of Sonia from In Pursuit Of Style. 

The lovely Nicolle Saylor.

Some of the BNO organizers: Caitlyn of Style Within Reach, Kendall of Kendall Donaldson, Marissa of Style Cusp and Christine of View From 5 Ft 2 

The Tiny Tie Rant's shoes. Fierce.

Ripe For The Picking

I needed a dress pronto for something that a.) made me nervous and b.) I can't tell you about... yet. When I can tell you, I will - and I'm uber excited about it!!!

Outfit:

Striped Bandage Dress - Robert Rodriquez

Spiked Bag - Zara

Shoes - Mandee

Necklace - Forever 21

Jade Bangle - Chinatown NYC

But back to the dress... I had gone to a couple of stores in search of something that was my style, but yet, put a twist on the kinda of stuff I normally wear. Something fresh for my wardrobe. Of course, nothing in my closet was working, and I went shopping. I feel like that happens a lot - you have something you're going to, and end up buying something new for it. 

Regardless, this Robert Rodriquez dress caught my eye due to the asymmetrical hem. And there's never been a striped dress I didn't like. 

Women's Mafia Fashionable Fridays: Beauty & Style Gifting Event

On Friday, I battled the 101 heat weather and headed into NYC to meet the lovely ladies of the NYC Fashion Meetup Group for the Women's Mafia Fashionable Fridays: Beauty & Style Gifting Event held at Arrojo Studio in Soho.

The event was one of the best I've attended, with lots of beauty, fashion, goodies and friends! The stylists at Arrojo Studio were on hand to cut, style and create updos or even touch up makeup. Being that I always wanted a fishtail braid, Gardner hooked me up with this fab do that kept me cool yet stylish! I left with a bag filled with products that I've already used. Even master stylist and Arrojo Studio founder, Nick Arrojo, was on hand working his craft.

Nick Arrojo tended to the tresses of his client during the event.

Some of the ladies indulged in a cut or updo...

Guests stepped in front of the camera of Pop-Up-Studio's backdrop to get wild and crazy! This idea is genius, and I wish I knew about it for my wedding!

Outfit:

Animal print dress - Bebe Outlet

Necklace - Mandee

Nail Polish - Forever 21's Love & Beauty in Tomato

The event also featured Lora Condon, author of "Spa Wars: The Ugly Truth About The Beauty Industry", reading excerpts. After hearing one of her gross-out stories of a less-than-pleasant experience, I'm eager to get started reading her book, which she signed for me!

One of my most favorite parts of the event was meeting jewelry designer J. Rudy Lewis. I'm a huge fan of the hand-crafted movement, especially jewelry, and his work was simply impressive! His pieces featured chunky metals, meticulously hand-crafted with gems, stones and even leather. The metal smith was generous to gift attendees with a piece of their own, and I can't wait to show you what I received!

Regardless of the killer weather, I'm so glad I made it out to the event and experienced some of the best in fashion and beauty!

Candy of Taylor & Demolish snapped photos of the event along with fellow blogger Nicole of Black Shoe Diaries.

Sahra of Effortless Cool and me

Rebecca Minkoff Resort 2012 Collection Preview

All photos courtesy of RebeccaMinkoff.com

On Thursday, I was invited to a blogger preview with the gals of the NYC Fashion Bloggers Meetup Group to view Rebecca Minkoff's upcoming Resort 2012 collection in her awe-inspiring showroom.

Outfit:

Racerback Tank - Urban Outfitters

Skirt - I'm Your Present 

Platform Wedges - Nine West

Norma Bracelet - Erica Weiner Jewelry

As a fan of her previous work, I couldn't wait to see what the style maven created! We'll have to wait a little big longer to stock our closets with this line as it doesn't hit stores until later this year, but if I had to describe it in one word: Chic.

Lush leathers featuring a bright color palette, as well as traditional black leather, sets off her fine-detailed handbag collection. Classic styles will get an upgrade in the form of modern hardware and through python accents, which can also be found in her shoes, as well.

This look is my favorite. Love the pop of color!

As for the clothes, I want it all! Everything from feminine lace to biker jackets and uber cute shorts, this collection has something for every woman! The girls and I were eyeing up this printed dress and a laser-cut jacket (shown below).

I'm glad to see colors coming back in a big way. While it's nice to have wardrobe staples in basic colors, Rebecca went bold in turquoise and persimmons with a 70s vibe - one of my favorite fashion eras.  Can't wait to rock these looks!

NYC Fashion Bloggers Picnic

From left to right: Pam, Me, Preity, Yanil, Monroe, Nike, Janique, Candy, Cynthia, Jerrica

Last Sunday, the ladies of the NYC Fashion Bloggers Meetup Group got together in Central Park to kick back, relax and eat!

Finding this group, and meeting so many lovely bloggers has been so important to me. The ladies in the group each have their own unique sense of style, but regardless of our favorite designers, our love of blogging brings us together - and it's always a fun time! It was great to see Pam of Cinderella's Closet, Candy of Taylor & Demolish, group organizer Monroe of FashionSteeleNYC and Yanil of TheNewYorkerStyle - plus, I got to meet some new members and get to know others who I don't see very often. If you live in NY or NJ, you definitely want to be part of this fun!

Preity  of Fashion Solace and Pam of Cinderella's Closet

Yanil of TheNewYorkerStyle, new members Nike and Preity

Monroe (at center), did an amazing job of getting this meetup together! You go girl!

Monroe, the group's organizer, did an awesome job of rounding up the gals and bringing lots of goodies for everyone.

So glad I found this group. Not only are these ladies awesome bloggers, but I'm happy to call them my friends as well!

This is the dress I wore - just a fancier photo of me wearing it!

Outfit:

Dress - Urban Outfitters

Belt - H&M

Cork Wedges - Forever 21

Necklace - Forever21

Mango & Marie Claire Night of Style Event

On Friday, I attended the Night of Style event sponsored by Marie Claire at Mango on Broadway in Soho with my friend, Molly.

On display was their Spring/Summer 2011 collection - and I have to admit, the color palette is perfect for the upcoming seasons. Along with a mix of skinny jeans and wardrobe staples like cardigans, tees and tanks, they offer chic dresses in vibrant prints - stripes and florals, my two favorites. Plus, a light shade of peach will definitely be in - and I'm on board. The night offered a contest for $500 to the person who pulled together the best Mango look from the store. Plus, Sephora was on-hand for free makeup consultations and girly goodness.

In between sipping champagne and snacking on some hors d'oeuvre, the ladies of the NYC Fashion Bloggers Meetup group chatted about what it takes to actually run a blog. I'll say that it's nice to know that there are others who understand the kind of work and dedication involved in launching and maintaining a blog. So glad I found this group.

Candy of Taylor and Demolish, Monroe of FashionSteeleNYC and me!

As for my outfit, I was a little hesitant to wear these harem pants. I originally purchased these for my new job, but figured I might as well get it out of the way and wear em - even though I had some reservations. At $13 from Forever 21 they were a steal, but there's just something about having your crotch look like it's down to your knees, and a high-waist pant making me look bloated that leaves me indecisive about the pants. Tucking in the shirt was the right move though. Overall, I felt comfortable in the raining weather.

Outfit:

Leather jacket - Zara

Striped shirt - Forever 21

Harem pants - Forever 21

Shoes - Modcloth.com

Bag - Primark UK

Necklace - Mandees

And I couldn't leave without making a purchase. I'm loving this chunky ring! Since everything at the store was 30% off, I paid $13 bucks for it. It reminds me of an old-school scuba diving helmet. It will definitely get some heavy rotation in my wardrobe!