NYFW Day 1 = Much Needed Sleep

It's only the first day of attending NYFW events, and I'm exhausted!

I attended the Lucky FABB conference yesterday, and I can't wait to share it all with you! And the gift big... Ridiculousness that's making me feel like a giddy kid on Christmas morning.

I'm off for some R&R as I gear up for Fashion's Night Out tomorrow at Saks @ The Short Hills Mall. But for now, I'll leave you with this (it may take a bit to load):

Holy Fashion Overload

It's finally Fashion Week in New York City! That means a couple of days hopping on the train into NYC for a few events.

I'm still finalizing outfits (except for my shoes), but I'm excited to get a dose of fashion week this year. While I won't be attending that many events, I'm thankful and appreciative for the ones I've been invited to. It's a very surreal moment for me when I think about where I was last year, trying to get my blog up and running.

My schedule looks a little like this:

September 7 - Lucky FABB: This will be my first year attending this conference. I was torn between IFB and Lucky FABB, but in the end, I figured I'd check this event out!

September 8 - Fashion's Night Out at Saks Fifth Avenue @ The Mall at Short Hills, NJ.  Take in the scenes at Saks from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Experience local tastings, view the latest trends, enjoy informal modeling consultations with the Saks Fifth Avenue beauty team, live music and much more. Stop by the shoe department, where I'll be, and check out the latest styles a la B Brian Atwood! More info here

September 9 - Blogger's Night Out. Looking forward to mingling with fellow fashion bloggers and seeing familiar faces!

If you see me at any of these events, please don't be shy! Say hello! 

Hope your NYFW experience is a great one! See you in the city!

Natured inspired looks for less

As much as I am an admirer of high-end fashion, my wallet won't let me buy everything I want. This is where thriftiness comes in handy. Many a women pride themselves on bargain shopping, most of which can be done online if you know where to look. I won't call finding a less-expensive alternative a knock-off... but just a happy medium between finding a piece you like, inspired by your favorite designers, for less money.

While my secret shopping place is probably no secret to many, Etsy.com is the spot for unique jewelry, accessories and clothing - and they support the hand-made movement.

Gearing up for spring, I'm turning toward earthy, nature and Native American-esque pieces that don't break the bank. These four make the cut - coming in at under $60 or less!

1. Asymmetrical Snowflake Stone Bullet and Pyrite Necklace by GATHERJEWELRY - This necklace, for $58, combines metal with a natural white howlite stone. Pamela Love revealed her new collection during New York Fashion Week, filled with raw and rough crystals against polished metals (http://www.refinery29.com/pamela-loves-spring-jewelry-collection-slays-us#), and I think this piece is very comparable in price and look. Also, I love how a bullet shell can make a stone look chic. 


2. Octopussy Octopus Lace Earrings by thissilk - Lightweight lace and chandelier earrings all in one - so versatile! And they only cost $25!


3. Zebra Print Racerback Tank by PrettyRaccoon - I'm a fan of anything with animals chillin' on cotton jersey for $30. Skinny jeans, I'd like you to meet zebra racerback tank. This shop houses a plethora of animal friendly printed tees!


4. Leggings with Black Birds by Malu7 - These $48 tights reek of spring.

Friday 5

Regardless of any time I post my five Friday favorites, let it be known that any Friday is a favorite of mine... So I guess that makes it six unofficially. Hmph. Oh well, let's stick with five.

1.

Gnome Enterprises Bunnies Tee - Who doesn't love horny, but cute, bunnies?

And talk about super soft t-shirts!? Love this v-neck like whoa.

2.

Photo by Jerad Knutson, courtesy of http://www.ampmagazine.com/

Ah, the band that helped put emo on the map. According to an article in Amp Magazine, Emery will be releasing a new album and touring in March, but is one man down, minus Devin Shelton, half of the singing duo a la Toby Morell. Yet, I have confidence their new album will be stellar.

3. 

Photo via http://www.style.com/

Proenza Schouler's Fall 2011 collection - ESPECIALLY, the look above. Not many things make me gasp out loud... but when I saw these trousers I said, "Holy s#@! Is that chevron stripes and velvet!?" as I watched the livestream last night. If anyone knows what exactly this fabric is, please, fill me in.

4. 

H&M opening their shopping to Internet fashion creepers... at some point.

http://thestir.cafemom.com/beauty_style/116214/h_m_shop_online_in

5.

Glitter In The Air - Photo via www.lippmanncollection.com

Bad Romance - Photo via www.lippmancollection.com

Deborah Lippmann, nail vixen to the stars. Although I'm not a fan of Lady Gaga's music, I can appreciate a gal who knows a snazzy bottle of polish when she sees it. The color she wore during her Grammy performance is called Yellow Brick Road, and will be available in April. Scope it out here.

Being blunt

It's no surprise that I think my bangs are my best attribute. They never separate, they're blunt (just like me) and I'm good at having them. You may be thinking, "Jen, out of everything about yourself, you take pride in your bangs?" In a way, yes. They're a huge part of my personal style, and I have my mom to thank for it.

Me, circa 1985

I departed from having "fringe" when I was around 10, and after years of trying out different styles, I found my way back to bangs about a year ago, and what you see today is probably the best description of me in a style sensibility.

However, my ultimate bang icon is Zooey Deschanel. <le sigh>

But I digress... I'm a huge fan of bangs in the overall realm of hairstyles, so when I saw Doo.Ri's Fall 2011 models sporting a heavy fringe, I was thrilled (not to mention the new collection looks amazing!).

All photos by Style.com

And while Doo.Ri is up there with one of my favorite collections, the designer who tugs at my drawstrings is Betsey Johnson. Ms. Johnson's collections speak to me the most - rocker chick with a super feminine flair. Dark mistress meets Pretty In Pink. She revealed her newest collection on Valentine's Day and it contained three things I absolutely adore - plaids, florals and animal prints! As women, we're expected to be all frilly and fem - which is great. But there's some gals out there who love the darker, tomboyish side to fashion, and I think Betsey strikes the perfect balance between the two.

All photos via Style.com

And Betsey's girl's had bangs, too. Hmm... maybe bangs will take over as the new mullet - business in the front, party in the back.