2013 Fashion Forward Conference Recap

One week back in NYC and I am already reminded about the fabulous perks of being a Manhattanite, by an exclusive invitation to the 2013 Fashion Forward Conference.  This annual fashion and lifestyle blogging conference is hosted by the fabulous ladies behind MomTrends (Nicole Feliciano), Mom Generations (Audrey McClelland), Lady and the Blog (Vera Sweeney) and Power Moms Media (Brooke Stewart).  This was my first year attending the event, and I enjoyed every minute!  This year the conference was hosted at 404, a beautiful bright event space in the Chelsea area.  From the moment I stepped in, I felt I had arrived at my kind of conference, with chic decor, and limited invites - the conference had a trendy and intimate vibe.

The day kicked off with brand interaction, which I missed out on (it was one of those mornings with my little lady) and I arrived shortly after the welcome, just in time to grab a cup of coffee and take my seat for the kids' fashion show and first panel on brand partnership.  The panel was made up of industry experts from GM, Calypso & Amex as well as the stunning Countess LuAnn de Lesseps (of Real Housewives NYC fame).  All of the panelists, led by host Brooke Stewart, had invaluable insight to offer on building brand relationships.

The biggest takeaway from their panel, which I've heard over and over - and know it to be true, is "Do not lose your authentic voice."  What brands want more than anything (as well as your readers) is YOU - they came because of your voice and they will stay because of it.  When you start to lose that, you lose everything.  They also want people who have a genuine appreciation and desire to work with the brand --- because they know that genuine enthusiasm and love for a brand is what needs to show through your work.  They also reminded that numbers and stats are not always the most important thing, engagement and authenticity always weigh more heavily when choosing to work with a blogger.

After the The keynote was presented by the lovely and gracious, Rosie Pope (Bravo/Pregnant in Heels and also Rosie Pope Maternity).  Rosie was so down-to-earth, charming and at times incredible funny, it honestly felt like I could have been sitting with her having a cup of coffee and asking her for insight.  She discussed the difference in asking "How Can I Have it All?" versus "How Can I Manage it All?"  In her experience she shared that it is not often possible to have it all, at least not at the same time, but with a little creativity and ingenuity you can possibly manage it all.  Essentially, we need to ask ourselves 'how can we be the best we can be and be okay with that?'

She went on to share some of her experiences, how she sets boundaries with her spouse, kids and professional life.  She also believes that being a workaholic is not a "dirty word."  I'm not sure I agree with that last point entirely - I do agree hard work is the only way you can achieve big dreams - that with a bit of sacrifice, however; working yourself compulsively and letting that be your all encompassing thing, not so sure about that one.  There has to be a balance.

After a delicious and healthy lunch, it was time for the 2nd panel, Trendsetters & Trendsetting.  This panel turned out to be my favorite and included Celebrity stylists Sarah Potempa and Phillip Bloch, as well as reps from Ladies Home Journal and NBC Universal.  Before I even rave on the fun that was had in this group as Audrey McClelland hosted, I have to just say that I love Phillip Bloch!  During Rosie Pope's keynote he got passionate about single working moms getting the short end of the stick and how bloggers need to use their influence to change minds on the system and how it is failing.  Anyone who is willing to get passionate for a worthy cause wins mad points in my book.

Anyway, back to the panel, Phillip continued to exhibit his charismatic personality as he essentially told us to forget about what we see on the runways and instead style what works for us - what we love and what looks good on us.  Other trends were brought up as big winners for this year including, short edgy hair styles, bb/cc creams and colored leather.  Sarah Potempa added to the list of hair trends including fishtails and braided updo's and adding sophisticated sparkle to hair with mini accessories and glitters.

NBC Universal's VP of Communications, Lenore Moritz, encouraged bloggers to find a way to optimize mobile - noting the continued trend where more and more people engage through mobile devices than any other platform.  She also shared a prediction that our usage of apps is going to increase exponentially and to figure out a way to get in on that now, whether it is partnering with people to create an app or figuring out how to optimize presence within established apps.

 After the women's fashion show (view my favorite looks from the show here), we settled in for our third and final panel, Powerhouse Players.  This panel was made up of the blogging elites, Danielle Smith (Extraordinary Mommy), Liz Gumbinner (Cool Mom Picks), Yuli Ziv (Style Coalition) and Melissa Fluhr (Project Nursery).  Vera Sweeney led the discussion which focused primarily on utilizing all aspects of social media to grow your audience, as well as being business savvy.

Tips ranged from making sure your tweets share your authentic voice, to optimizing Pinterest for driving traffic and even asking yourself whether your behaving as a fame seeker or passion inspirer.  Danielle talked about her tips for engaging with the YouTube community and how to get started doing video, specifically recommending spacing out engagement with others to reappear in feeds, and not being afraid to upload a raw video from your phone.

After the panel was over, we had a short amount of time to finish networking with brands and sponsors, while we sipped our delicious Altar cocktails and snacked on desserts.  The amount of brand representation was perfect for this conference, I had plenty of time to mix and mingle, exchange information and have genuine unrushed conversations.  

In case you're interested in some of the fun things I learned while connecting with brands - I've provided my brands in bullets segment here:

• At the GMC SmileBooth I tried on the latest Fashion accessory, crystal studded shades (haha).  I also entered to win a 1 week car loan and cash prize, but unfortunately I didn't win.  I have to say that I am definitely interested in some of the new mind-blowing technology they are putting in these vehicles - especially the ones built for families.
• I learned about NeriumAD, an age-defying night cream with some very astonishing before and after photos, almost looks like plastic surgery without the knife! I'll have to report back after trying a sample of this product to let you know how it works.  
• I visited with Stokke - one of my favorite modern children's companies - they have some of the best innovation in strollers and accessories I have seen.  I desperately wanted a Stokke crib for Zion when I was pregnant, and designed an entire dream nursery with many of their furnishings.  They had their new baby carrier on display which looked like it might be able to outdo the beloved Ergo!  
• The stylish ladies at Coldwater Creek's denim booth wowed me with their new styles for Fall.  They brought a trial launch item with them, a super soft and stretchy tuxedo stripe skinny jean (featured in my photo above) - that I didn't want to take off.  Lucky me, a pair is being sent my way!
• My favorite girls' dress (first picture in this post, top right corner) from the kids' fashion show, was provided by GILT (Egg Baby Classic Knit Dress).  I wish oh I wish I could find this dress for Zion!!  
• At Sarah Potempa's booth, I saw The Beachwaver in action, and my mind was blown.  Have you heard of this miracle hair device!?  Say good-bye to burning your fingers on curling wands!
• Happy Family was there sharing their baby, toddler and kid snacks and I was surprised to see their new line of coconut milk products - finally a brand catering to those who are dairy, nut and grain free!
• Kiwi Crate was also there sharing their different box options and samples - this looks like a great service for structured activity time with kids 3-7!
• I met the Co-Founder of Keepy, honestly an amazing app that every parent needs to download immediately!  I have finally found a solution to all of the original art pieces Zion has created and have flooded our living spaces!  Saving them and sharing them with others in a secure social network created for parents and kids is a brilliant idea!  Whats even more fun is the way you, and your kids grandparents and extended family, family friends, etc. can leave video comments on their artwork!

We ended the day with some door prizes, and wouldn't you know, I won!  I walked away with a gorgeous getaway bag, jewelry bag, and patterned scarf by Stella & Dot!!  Fashion Forward was a great conference with just the right balance of brands, networking, style and sessions.  Can't wait for next year's conference!

      

Summer Outfits: Floral & Lace

 I am pretty sure the last style post that featured clothing larger than a size 3T was sometime in early 2012, so today's post comes with some hesitation and some excitement.  I will never classify myself as a fashion blogger, because I am still figuring out my own personal sense of style.  During a season of my life a few years earlier, I donated most of my wardrobe before setting out on a crazy mission trip across the country, shortly after, I added fashion back into my life just in time for my wedding and honeymoon, but then a season of lack forced me to stop buying and by the time I was able to purchase a thing or two I had become a mom - with a new identity to figure out.

 I figured our Hawaii vacation was a good enough reason to get myself back into some stylish clothing, I mean, who doesn't like to look good while they are on vacation?  I did a lot of shopping at Target and Plato's Closet.  To tell you the truth, I'm still quite unsure of myself in terms of what is right for me as a mother or even as a 30 something woman.  I'm hoping that I will grow as I continue to share my Summer outfits, as well as my Fall looks.  I was recently told during a twitter party that moms above 30 should not shop at Forever 21, I know, I know, how dare they say that! At the same time, I don't want to be dressing inappropriately for my age.

Floral & Lace Denim Shorts c/o Target

Woven Ankle Boots c/o Target

I will admit that I picked up these floral and lace denim shorts from Target's Juniors section, so I guess that means I'm throwing all of the rules out the window.  I love these shorts, how could I pass them up!?  Oh and please disregard my pasty white legs in these pictures, I promise I got some sun in Hawaii so future pictures shouldn't be so blinding! Ha! Have you found your sense of style since becoming a mom?  Do you dress age-appropriate??

      

From Runway to Reality: 2013 Fall Fashion Week's Most Wearable Trends

New York's Fall Fashion Week always sets an extreme tone for fall trends. Thankfully, we are able to scale them down to our existence and piece together seasonal ensembles from the depth of our closets— pairing newness with the classics to create our very own looks. This year's trends are making women absolutely giddy with delight as wearable over-the-knee boots, knit beanies and edgy braids grace runways, magazines and city streets. This might just be the best fall yet.

Tommy Hilfiger at New York Fashion Week 2013 image by fervent-adeote-de-la-mode via Flickr

Jewel Tones, Especially Dark Green

Olive nails, forest-colored accessories and green hair tones will make a strong fall appearance this year. Add a structured handbag or heel in emerald to round out your ensemble. Other jewel tones — garnet, amethyst, sapphire — are also appreciated, especially when paired together. Khaki green was seen on numerous military pieces throughout the week. Tailored tops and slim pants were accented by lace and brocade to spice the trend up.

Knit Beanies

We've been waiting for the beanie to come back and it's back with class, thank goodness. Why did we miss it? It's that edgy look you can get without spending too much time on your hair. This year though, women will wear them on the way to work or a cocktail party instead of just on the weekends or around a bonfire. Pop a beanie on over super sleek, flat-ironed hair to be part of the in crowd. It doesn't stop at just beanies, though. You can wear fedoras, baseball caps and floppy knits, too. Designers that integrated this trend at Fashion Week include Alexander Wang, BCBG, DKNY, Kate Spade and Tracy Reese.

Classic Patterns

Tuck away to the back of your closet the digitized, over-the-top printed clothing from last season. Fashion is going back to the basics with plaid, pinstripes, leopard and houndstooth (which truly never goes out of style). Don't over do the leopard though. Designers, Victoria Beckham, Rag & Bone and Thakoon, outfitted their runway models with classic patterns.

Folk-Inspired

Tap into your inner bohemian and pick up a piece of folk-inspired, hand-woven clothing this fall. From Scandinavian-style dresses to socks with tulips to intricate floral crowns, channeling your inner Holland girl has never been more fun.

Over-the-Knee Boots

Most definitely something we will see on Rihanna's new fashion-competition TV show, "Styled to Rock," coming to the U.S. on Style Network (www.direct.tv) is the little bit sassy, little bit rock 'n' roll over-the-knee boot. This season brings punk style into modern times and OTK boots are leading the charge. And, yes, you can sport them at the office as long as you forego the mini skirt and layer longer pieces of clothing over them.

Face Time

Sometimes it's either one extreme or the next when it comes to makeup. This helps you mix it up this fall. Three trending makeup looks this fall include:

• Bold lip colors. Bright red, blood red, magenta, brown, burgundy and bright orange are all trending.
• Nude makeup giving skin tone an all-over even color (including nude lips).
• Luminous skin shines brightly on models in New York. Mix foundation with a luminous product and glow your day away.

Fun Hair

Edgy braids, bountiful curls, classic bobs, polished ponies and the slick look topped models crowns during the week. Expect to see these looks coming to the pages of the magazines, to restaurants and to work. Visit Glamour.com to see tutorials on creating the fun hair of fall 2013.

Winter's White

It's time to accept that the 'no white after Labor Day' rule is so 20th century. Models were strutting heavy white fabrics and chunky knits, jeans, jackets and fedoras in New York. Leave the lightweight, truly summer pieces in the closet though.

      

Jellys Are Back!Zion's Style: Summer Edition

 This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Jelly Beans but all opinions are my own. #pmedia #JellysAreBack #JBeans http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

We are halfway through Summer time and anxiously looking forward to our upcoming vacation to Oahu, Hawaii.  Summer is such a glorious time of the year.  I don't know about you, but for me on days where the sun is shining and the sky is blue I simply feel lighter on my feet.  Maybe its not having to pack extra layers to shield from the weather, or maybe its just the warmth of the sun on my body, either way, I have always been a Summer loving girl.

Zion seems to be following in my sun-loving footsteps as well and every day she tells us how excited she is for Hawaii and playing at the beach.  If she only knew how mutually excited Jerry and I are --- we've always wanted to take a trip to the islands!  We've been doing a bit of shopping lately to get ready for our trip, and can I take a minute here to just brag on my gorgeous little girl?  I love shopping but Zion takes it to a whole 'nutha level!  It all began with her very first trip to the shoe store, since then she has shown no sign of curbing her love of shoes and all things girly and pink.

I think that is why I am most excited to inform you today, in case you didn't catch my vibrant headline above, that Jellys are BACK!!!  For me, Jellys are like a rite of passage into all things girly and all things fashion.  I remember every Summer getting a fresh pair of Jellys to rock to the beach, the park, family BBQs, and pretty much any place we went.  Now I get to share this timeless Summer fashion accessory with my little girl.  And no surprise there, she has fallen head over heels in love with her new pink Jellys.

I love Zion's growing sense of style.  Forget the fact that if she could only wear pink everything for the rest of her days she'd be content.  She actually does a great job of picking out her own outfits, often coming up with some very trendy combinations.  The outfit she picked on this day is one of my favorites and it was her choice!  The Jellys just bring this whole look together.  You couldn't find a better shoe to match her personality.

Its been difficult to get her to wear any other shoes now that she has found her perfect pair of Jellys.  Honestly, I have no complaints with that.  I love how versatile these shoes are - you can wear them to the beach or playground, wear them casual or with a dress for a family function - they are the perfect shoe for any occasion.  And they are comfortable and functional too!

Zion got her gorgeous pink Jellys from Jelly Beans, an Australian company that just launched their U.S. store! Seeing Zion in her Jellys makes me miss wearing them myself!  Now it is my turn to get a pair!  The only struggle I'm having is deciding which color to get!  Or maybe I should just get a couple different colors?  With free shipping on all U.S. orders and a 30-day money-back guarantee, why not!?  

Did you have Jellys when you were younger?  Ready to rock these fabulous Summer shoes again?  Which color would you pick!?

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