Lucky FABB Conference - September 7, 2011

To kick start all the fashion week festivities, I attended the Lucky FABB conference on Wednesday. Completely exceeded my expectations. The nuggets of wisdom dispersed throughout panels focusing on working with brands, setting the trends and building a business has left me feeling like I'm achieved some sorta of blog zen.

Outfit:

Dress - French Connection, won from Stylecaster

Tribal necklace - Mandee

Shoes - Mandee

Spiked bracelets - Forever 21

Leather bracelet - Gap

A who's who of fashion and social media were in attendance, talking unapologetically about the fashion industry. Truth! And of course, bloggers from every state. While each panel was different, there was one blatant theme: remaining authentic as a blogger and brand. Without that, you might as well hang it up. 

"All women should have an identity outside of work," Diane von Furstenberg told the Lucky FABB bloggers in attendance, rocking Marilyn shoes from her own collection. Photo courtesy of Blonde Bedhead.

For me, seeing Diane von Furstenberg in all her fabulous glory was it. I already admired her as a designer, but to hear her give it to us straight and honest, it only made me respect her more. She's definitely someone to aspire to be like.

And while the perks of attending the event are great, being able to meet other bloggers from across the U.S. is the best part. Luckily, my friend Amy of Stylish Year was in attendance. We befriended Andrea of Blonde Bedhead and Tieka of Selective Potential - two dolls who are not only sweethearts, but their style is just as unique as their personalities. Be sure to check out there blogs!

Amy of Stylish Year and myself. Don't you just love her hat?

Me and Andrea of Blonde Bedhead. 

Lucky Executive Digital Editor, Lauren Sherman, moderated the "Brands & Bloggers Working Together" panel. Pictured left to right: Scott Galloway, Professor Of Marketing, NYU Stern; Found L2, Donna Noce Colaco, President of White House Black Market; Ann Watson, VP, Marketing & Communications for Club Monaco; and Kelly Framel, Founder of TheGlamourai.com

The Kardashian sisters said their grandmothers are their fashion heroes.

Saks Fifth Avenue Takes On FNO

Last night, I stayed local and took in all that New Jersey has to offer for Fashion's Night Out. Saks Fifth Avenue at The Mall at Short Hills extended an invite to me to check out their FNO festivities, which included food, beauty and makeup, and live music! And since I'm a local Garden Stater, I figured, why not?!

In addition to all the Fashion's Night Out festivities, the store was celebrating the launch of the B Brian Atwood shoe line at the store! I've seen them online (and they're beauties), but seeing them in person was even sweeter! Besides, you can never have enough shoes....

Customers were invited to view the newly launched collection located in the department store's Salon Shoes department, and strike a pose in their favorite B Brian Atwood shoes. Among the leather and suede pumps and wedges, the Edeline caught my eye. The rich wine-colored suede is strikingly bold in person, and the metal feature on the heel just adds to the major factor of this bootie.

I noticed that the Liese (pictured below) was a definite favorite among the crowd of fashionable shoppers. Can't say I blame them either - the metallic lurex the shoe is made from gives off a silvery-gold sparkle, while the cut-out ankle is something especially unique.

What I love about his shoes are their versatility in terms of texture, prints and styles. Even the interior of each shoe looks chic. You're bound to find your own personal shoe style among the collection - mine is a simple black pump with a chunky wooden heel. 

Of course I had to take a picture in front of the step-and-repeat wall!

*As per Federal Trade Commission guideslines, House Of Jeffers is required to disclose that this post was commissioned by Saks Fifth Avenue.

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!

Mother Nature's Identity Crisis

I've been enjoying the weather while I still can. As soon as it gets cold, I literally look like a shivering chihuahua and require a cardigan come 7:30 p.m. on a daily basis.

Maybe it's that transitory change of stores turning their offerings to Fall, but I have to say I've been a little underwhelmed. Perhaps I'm being fickle, or it's my unconscious way of shunning the cold weather by refusing to buy sweaters, but I really can't stand the in between weather. I dread the days when the weather is not so hot or cold... and I often end up dressing in the wrong layers and either sweating or/freezing. Mother Nature needs to make up her mind fast, and then stay that way.

Outfit:

Jersey tank dress - H&M

Platform floral mary jane shoes - Forever21

Beaded necklace - Mandee

Beaded cuff - Bought in Antigua on my honeymoon

Rings - gifts from my mother, bought in Cape May, NJ

I'll miss wearing dresses like this when it gets cold. It's a jersey knit, but certainly not warm enough to wear come October. And the maxi dress fad - I'll leave those for tall, lanky chicks with wavy hair. I'll find a way to don my most coveted dresses once a chill sets in...