September Blogging Conferences

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For next year, I've made it a goal of mine to finally visit NYC...during fashion week (whether in February or September is still to be determined). While sitting in on a designer show may be for a more selective VIP crowd, there is still so many interesting events happening. What really appeals to me are the fashion blogger conferences such as the IFB Conference and Lucky FABB. If you are attending in person, I'm jealous!


Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference

This is a huge event for bloggers at all levels. With the opportunity to hear from some of the big name bloggers and successfull individuals in the fashion industry, the day is made up of panels on popular and trending topics for fashion bloggers. In February, I caught the livestream at home on my laptop, coffee in hand, taking notes and tweeting my favourite bits.

This conference happens a week from today on Wednesday, September 7, so if you're a blogger- you won't want to miss this. Panel topics include: bloggers and social media, the balance between business and blogging, and the evolution of fashion media. Did I mention the key note speaker is Elle's Creative Director Joe Zee?

Want more details?

Lucky's Fashion and Beauty Blog Conference

Lucky's not only one of my favourite magazines because of the editors' great tastes and it serves fashion on a plate to people would can't afford couture, they are one of the magazines that have recognized and appreciate what bloggers can bring to the table.

Their inaugural conference was hosted 250 bloggers in February 2011, right before fashion week. The focus of the conference this time around will be on female entrepreneurship and making your blog the best it can be: how to work with brands, branding yourself, and how to transform blogging into business. One panelist that is sure to be a hit: Diane von Furstenburg will be in attendance! This season it will also be held September 7. 

I'm hoping there will be a livestream- can anyone confirm this?  I'm a little disappointed that it's on the same day as IFB Con- that makes for some difficulty when I want to view them both live! But, the good thing is that you can usually catch them later in the days following, so I'm sure I'll get to benefit from both. In February, I caught the video even though I was a little late on even hearing about Lucky FABB- I didn't catch it until hearing the buzz about it a day or so after the event!

Click here for more info.

And after catching these blogging conferences, there's fashion week to look forward to and viewing the fashion shows via livestream!

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love for peacocks...

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Anyone who knows me, will find it no surprise that I'm attracted to peacock-related accessorizes and prints. Last weekend, while in Moncton to visit my sister for her birthday, I did a little shopping. I had a difficulty making decisions within Aldo's accessory store, but with the jewellery being budget-friendly and me being on a timeline, I snapped up a few items. This peacock necklace was one of the items I couldn't leave without.

The Outfit

• Dress: Buttons- Francesca (Portland, Nov '10)
• Belt: H&M (Dartmouth, July '10)
• Shoes: Steve Madden- The Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, Mar '11)
• Necklace: Aldo Accessories (Moncton, Aug '11)

Now that Irene has passed on we're onto another work week to juggle and get through. (Hope you've been lucky enough to not have felt her impact.) But- there are a few highlights I'm looking forward to! Tomorrow night is the first meeting of the Fashion Council of Saint John (FCSJ) at the Canterbury Lounge, as put together by Normand Hector (NWH Modelling). For more information on this non-profit group that's taking shape, be sure to visit the Facebook page.

And if you happen to be free this evening, head to Boston Pizza where Shelley Demerchant from The Urban Shoe Myth and Kiera Fraser from Je Suis Prest Boutique will be showcasing their fall fashions from 8-9pm. (Apparently Boston Pizza has been hosting a series of businesses for Girls' Night on Mondays this month.) Just bring a non-perishable item from your cupboard on your way out the door to support the food bank! Did I mention martinis are only $5? 


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black & white...

Last Friday, we finally got out hands on our wedding photos! We went out to KV to pick up the DVD containing 1200+ shots from our photographer, Lynette Mason of Mason Photography. We're really happy with the variety and quality of photographs and feel they really do represent our wedding day!

On our way back into Saint John, we made a pit stop at the Rothesay Commons to use the beautiful greenery and stone bridges as back drops for outfit photos! It's actually the perfect spot my friend Kate has choosen for her labour day weekend wedding coming up!   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Outfit

• Dress: Numph- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, July '10)
• Cardigan: Dynamite (gifted from Katie, Nov '10)
• Pearl bracelet: Le Chateau (Halifax, Fall '07)
• Sandals: Sam Edelman- Piperlime (ordered online, July '11)
• Purse: Coach (Toronto, Sept '10)

I'll be sure to share a few of our favourite wedding photos next week! Now all this wedding talk now has me thinking what am I going to wear to Kate's wedding...



jean trio...

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Just in time for Fashion's Night Out, Chanel will be launching a trio of denim-inspired nail polishes on September 8. (I credit my pal Barb with letting me in on this piece of news.) Unfortunately like the coveted Khaki nail colours last year, they are not so accessible to those of us north of the border in Canada.

Photo credit: Style Laboratory

Although it's difficult, it's not entirely impossible to get our hands on the limited edition, the US-only collections (again, thanks to Barb). My only really problem now is deciding between Blue Rebel and Blue Boy....which is your favourite of the denim coloured nail polishes? These bottles will be sold only until the end up Septemeber!

Funny to think I'm already talking about the next Chanel nail collection when the Fall '11 make-up (particularly the nail polishes I mentioned yesterday) hasn't even landed on the east coast yet! Perfumes Plus report that they are expecting the fall line this Thursday, August 25!

 

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mani/pedi...

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It's now 2 weeks in and I'm still sporting my pedicure I had done at Element 5- the polish is almost in the same condition as Day 1. That's what I like about in spending my money on a pedicure done professionally vs a manicure: the look lasts so much longer. Though they cost a little extra you can get weeks out of your pedicure, while a manicure may last you 3 to 4 days if you are lucky. I tend to save professionally done manicures for special occasions.

Nonetheless, it's always better when someone does it for you! I decided on going for that pedicure since my sandal-rough feet and chipped polish needed a little work.  I went a coral shade from OPI's latest collection for Fall 2011. I decided to go with "I eat mainely lobster" from Touring America.

Up until a few days ago I was sporting a neutral nail polish on my finger tips. I love to go browsing the make-up isles in Shoppers occasionally just to spot new products or colours- and I always need to take a glance at the nail polishes. (My bestie and I used to browse the beauty products in Shoppers while in university as a way to break from studying!) Last week I decided I'd go for a nude shade in Essie's "Mamba".

They nail polishes I'm really waiting on now are Chanel's "Graphite" and "Peridot" which are available at Perfumes Plus later this week!

Photo source: Refinery 29

What nail colours are you looking forward to wearing this Fall?

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congrats Reflections!

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Just wanted to submit a little shout out to my hairstylist (and aunt), Heather Keenan and her business partner/friend Connie Quinn! These two women have experienced 21 successful years in business together, and earlier this month they also became receipients of a provincial Merit Award for business excellence, as presented by MLA Dorothy Shephard.

The small awards ceremony set up at Lancaster Mall on the west side of Saint John.

Merit awards were presented in categories of business, volunteering, arts, leadership and environment.

Heather (left) and Connie (far right) pose with MLA Dorothy Shephard.

Reflections Day Spa has grown over the years from hairstyling to include tanning services and then expand to a full day spa 3 years ago upon their move to their current location at 59 Catherwood Street. Congratulations to Heather and Connie!

At my most recent hair appointment at Reflections, I had feather extensions put in, in case you missed that blog post!

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3 things: least fav trends for Fall '11

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Every season there is just one trend, perhaps 2, that I just don't understand. That or it just don't find it attractive or flattering. This summer it was the flatform- though I think that one might have been less popular than last season's heeled clog. While, I'll admit the clog has grown on me and I've warmed up to it, it isn't a fad I felt I ever missed out on. I respect the fact that I've seen many well-put together outfits that have included trends that just personally weren't for me and I will admit some people do manage to rock them! Recently I've seen a few trend reports and emails announcing a few trends for Fall '11 that I'm just not hot on:

1. High-Heel Loafers

Left: Nine West; Right: Boutique 9

Let me start our by saying that this is a look that I can see the right stylish women pulling off- whether it be a certain few bloggers, models in fashion magazines, or even a few local ladies I can think of.

But I just can't get past that fact that they just remind me of the clunky black heeled shoes girls used to wear when I was in grade 7. I love a pretty, well-made loafer, but I just prefer them closer to the ground without the chunky heel. In a particular sense I would only wear this a loafter to work- and in my profession (plus my lack of coordination) heels just don't make the cut. There are other aspects on the mens-inspired trend coming this fall that I can get on board with, but just not the chunky heel loafer. I just don't find them visually pleasing and they are just too casual for what I prefer to wear heels for.

2. Capes/Ponchos

Left: BB Dakota; Right: Ralph Lauren

Again, this is a look that some people will have no problem styling- but I just don't see the poncho as a match for the general public. I feel this is a garment when you have to choose carefully and with the right bottoms, otherwise it may come off a little hobo-ish. The closest I've coming to actually liking this look is Rachel Zoe's Ava knit cape. But this is a woman who always knows how to get it right!

3. PJ-Style Pants

Left: Elizabeth & James; Right: Missoni

I recently received a trend report from Who What Wear in my inbox earlier this month on silky pants and I had to cringe (but to give them credit, I typicall do love their trend predictions!). And along with that I've been seeing pj-like pants and unflattering prints popping up on places like Shopbop- I just don't think these looks are going to work mainstream. There will be the eccentric, creative fashionistas who will pull this off but I just think that overall, wearing these types of pants will have me thinking people just didn't change when they got up for this morning. These could really work as great, cute lounge pants, but outside of the house, I don't think it's for everyone.

Don't worry, fall is just approaching, so there is still plenty of time to talk about what there is to love (and there is lots I'm loving)! What is your take on these 3 coming trends? Perhaps you do like them or have a different perspective on how the general public could style them? Would love to hear your opinions- please, do share!

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seeing spots...

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I think we all know the pain of spending precious time on a report, email, or even a blog post just to have something happen to our computer to watch it disappear and then lament over time and work lost! (Whether it be due to the swipe of the wrong key, a program malfunction, or- heaven forbid- your computer decides to crash.) Sadly, this is was my experience yesterday in regards to my blog post. I had this particular post all ready to go and as scheduled, it was published yesterday morning. (So you may recognize these photos if you made a visit to my blog before noon.) I had to go back in to do some edits and when I updated, Blogger snatched my work and all I was left with was...notta. Blogger likes to misbehave a little too often I think...

Anyhow, here goes a second attempt at sharing this outfit post. I couldn't resist wearing this shear BB Dakota cheetah print top the day after I bought it! One reason I love about this top now is that you can wear it with minimal layering and it's cool enough for summer but with more layers (a sweater over top, tank underneath), it can easily transition into fall. Now typically, I would layer under a sheer top, but in this case I decided to do the opposite and layer this H&M vest over top. I wore this casual ensemble to meet my friend Allie for coffee uptown (with her little guy Klein) and then head to Element 5 for a pedicure.

The Outfit

• Vest: H&M (Moncton, April '11)
• Animal print top: BB Dakota- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Aug '11)
• Skinny jeans: 7 for All Mankind- Envy (SJ, June '11)
• Sandals: Sam Edelman- Piperlime (ordered online, July '11)
• Earrings: Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, July '11)

Just reminder of Perfumes Plus' tax-free sale tomorrow (Friday) on their Chanel products! If you haven't heard, Coco Chanel's birthday is August 19 (the designer icon would have been 128 years old)- in celebration you can purchase any Chanel products tax free! And what would be a party without a little cake and some prizes? I know I'll be in to get my eye concealer (and perhaps a piece of cake for a little sugar buzz)! To here a little more about it- check out Perfume Plus' blog or the Brunswick Square blog!

 

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colour splash...

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One of my latest BB Dakota purchases, this item actually may date back to their Spring collection I believe. I've spent a little time here and there in St. Andrews over the last couple of weeks and happened to find this colourful tank at the Leather House.

However, I do have some new Fall '11 BB Dakota items to share as well (as quickly previewed in last week's post for Je Suis Prest's Fall Launch Party). I finally will be able to say I have a trench coat within my closet (long overdue).

The Outfit

• Tank: BB Dakota- Leather House (St. Andrews, July '11)
• Sweater: American Eagle (SJ, Sept '08)
• Skinny jeans: 7 For All Mankind- Envy (SJ, June '11)
• Espadrilles: Steve Madden- Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, June '11)
• Purse: Coach (ordered online, May '11)
• Necklace: unknown

I took this week off to relax, refresh, and get organized. And I'm hoping for some good weather to take advantage of since our summer days are sadly numbered! (Where did the time fly?) On my to do list this week: our wedding photos are also finally ready to be picked up- so excited to look through them! 

 

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Fall Launch Party!

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Last Friday was Je Suis Prest's Fall Launch Party in which they adorned their racks with the latest fall merchandise from BB Dakota, Covet, and a few other lovely brands. I was most excited to see what BB Dakota had in store for their fall collection.

I know, sometimes it's hard to start transitioning your perspective to buying for fall when there are still beach days and back-deck BBQs to be had. I tend to purchase the more versatile items pre-fall to mix and match with summer items and hold off on heavier items until later (or put them on lay away)!

At Je Suis Prest you'll find the BB Dakota fall and winter coat line-up of which many are of a military/utilitarian feel. Many great versatile, neutral colours including blacks, greys, olives, and browns- nad at a very reasonable price! You'll find many of the BB Dakota coats are even under a $100! It may be early to be thinking coats, but really- I find they tend to be picked over once the weather actually gets cooler (that's why lay away is so great).

Kiera also had treats on hand and even a little bubbly to celebrate the new arrivals! (Which was perfect, considering the fact I hadn't had a chance to eat supper in advance..)

Even the JSP girls themselves were dressed in lovely pieces from BB Dakota (looking beautiful, as always)!

Many of the fall colours you'll see in the store include primary colours of greens, olives, browns, greys, navys with flashes of light blue and blush pink as highlights. BB Dakota has selected a colour palatte that will be easy for women to mix and match with their current wardrobe.

There are also a number of Co-Lab bags and wallets from Christopher Kon to be lusted over. And you can't miss the wall decorated with new beautiful Hue tights in a variety of colours and patterns. Above I play with my new Nikon while I shop and sip on some of the pink! Also, in the photos above, Kiera rings in the purchases of sisters Melissa and Carla. 

Above, Kate looks beautiful in this brilliant red belted BB Dakota dress! Below, my choices to try on and another one of BB Dakota's pretty dresses.

Below were my final choices: it was tough by I narrowed it down to three items (all BB Dakota). I decided to put the trench on lay away (not quite weather-appropriate) while the sheer animal print top and multi coloured print dress came home with me that night!

As much as I hate to see summer go, I can't wait to see what other brands have in store for fall! Have you made any fall purchases yet?

 

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Industry Night Saint John...

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A week ago, another Industry Night for New Brunswick Fashion Week (NBFW) was hosted by Shadow Lawn Inn in Rothesay. Shadow Lawn, a sponsor of NBFW, was the second meeting with Buchanan & Co. to share their insight for a potential budding fashion industry in Atlantic Canada and to release the agenda for NBFW.

The exact schedule still needs some refinement, but as mentioned before, New Brunswick Fashion Week will be hosted for the first time from September 30 to October 7 this fall in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton. I have to say, it has been the people of Saint John showing the most interest in the event, having by far the greatest number of attendees at each Industry Night to date!

Last week's gathering brought together a few notable names: Tracy Hanson (Uptown Saint John), Brandi Cooper (Brunswick Square Centre), Kiera Fraser (Je Suis Prest Boutique), Norman Hector-Chiasson (NWH Modelling & Fashion Shows), Cathy Hutchinson & Natalie Allaby (Manchester Shoe Salon), Sandy Teed (Baubles), Kelly Lawson (Lawson Photography), Dominique Leger (Red Hot Events), among others! 

Since Moncton is the city that initiated the event, they will kick of NBFW with events Friday through Tuesday. NBFW will come to KV Wednesday, followed by night of dressing up, drinks, and shopping in Saint John on Thursday (think Fashion's Night Out). Friday will be a big day at the Delta with a tradeshadow, Fantasy Night competition for certified hairstylists and make-up artists, and various fashion shows which will feature both retailer merchandise and local designer lines. When the time draws closer, tickets for various events will be available from Ticket Atlantic.

There seem to be many more details to iron out and finalize, but I will be sure to keep you up to date as I hear more. Be sure to be following New Brunswick Fashion Week via Facebook and Twitter for more details. Hopefully we will be seeing that new logo by the very beginning of Septemeber!

Also, for those of you interested in a taste of the real New York Fashion Week: Buchanan & Co. is hosting a bus trip to NYC from Sept 6-13. There has also been word that they are also coordinating a bus trip for Toronto's Fashion Week later in October (Oct 17-23).

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my new camera...

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So finally I've been able to step up my camera equipment from my simply Panasonic Lumix point-and-shoot to a DLSR. I had told my family that was what I wanted for my birthday. And voila, now I have a Nikon D3100 with two different lenses to shoot with.

The Outfit

• Shorts: Old Navy (SJ, July '11)
• T-shirt: Maison Scotch- Envy (SJ, April '11)
• Hoodie: Alternative Apparel- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, July '11)
• Sandals: Sam Edelman- Piperlime (ordered online, July '11)
• Necklace: Maison Scotch- Envy (SJ, April '11)
• Leather cuff bracelet: ESquared Jewels- Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, July '11)
• Wrap bracelet: Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, July '11)
• Peacock earrings: Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, July '11)

  

When I spotted these peacock earrings posted as new merchandise on Silver Daisy Design's Facebook page, I knew they had my name on them. And I'm lucky I scored them! When I came into the store the other week, the day after they popped up on my radar, the girls told me I almost missed out on them. Another girl had nearly purchased them, but decided she would wait and perhaps buy them another time. Her hesitation was my gain....if people know my odd obsession with anything peacock-like, they know I must have it!

Coming up this week on the blog: what I couldn't resist at Je Suis Prest's Fall Launch Party on Friday, and I'll give the latest details from the Industry Night for New Brunswick Fashion Week last week!

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3 things: purchases from the inspiration board...

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If you caught my previous posts on my inspiration board, you'll know that I've been tacking up pictures on a bulleton board in my office to keep track of my items most wanted and current/emerging trends. Some of these items are part of the shopping wish-list in the back of my mind. Here are 3 purchases in recent weeks that were inspired by my board...

1. Wrap Bracelet

This friendship-style bracelet comes in a variety of designs and seems to be highly popular right now. It's a cute way to adorn the wrist in a casual-cool fashion. I picked up this purple bracelet with gold beads up from Silver Daisy Designs last week.

2. Nude Framed Sunglasses

I've always been a girl who's had both a pair of black and brown rimmed on hand. These price friendly frames caught my attention today at Joe Fresh while I was replacing a broke pair of black framed sunglasses. After a twitter poll, I decided the sunglasses were in. (Thanks to Kristin, Jess, and Melissa!)

3. Elongated Feather Earring

Browsing the latest ESquared designs in Silver Daisy last month, I fell in love with their feather creations- particularly this purposely mismatched multi-coloured feather earring paired with an oversized faux diamond stud. With the feather earring extending to my shoulder, I can tell you I have gotten a few curious looks wearing this set! You can sort of call it a trial run for my more subtle feather extensions.

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