Boppin' Around at the STLFW VIP Blogger Lounge
Last week I was able to attend a really cool event - the Saint Louis Fashion Week VIP Blogger Lounge. The event gave approximately 50 local bloggers the chance to network with 15 local brands and hopefully make some deeper connections which could potentially lead to collaborations.
I can't say if I've ever been invited to anything that's "VIP," and that felt pretty neat! The evening was held at Scape American Bistro in the Central West End. The weather was gorgeous out with a breeze and slightly overcast. I didn't realize that valet parking would be available, so I parked in a nearby garage and hiked over to Scape.
Upon entering Scape, I was directed by a STLFW volunteer up the stairs and into the event. When I signed in, I received a badge with my name and blog name on it, which made me feel quite official! While arriving I bumped into Marisa of Vogue Rhythm and Felicia, who I have met before and adore. We enjoyed complimentary beverages from Pinnacle Vodka and Skinny Girl Wine. I liked the Chardonnay a lot! We headed over to the photobooth and had some snaps taken, and I knew I had to grab another "metagram" of Marisa just like I did at the Kickoff Party. I think I'm going to have to do that every time as a joke. Scape provided some tasty appetizers to nibble on as we chatted with each other and with the local brands.
There was a good mix of outfits that represented the crossroads between winter and spring found amongst the bloggers. I love seeing everyone all dressed up! I wanted to wear a new pair of shorts I'd snatched on sale from Nasty Gal, but I was feeling overall fairly witchy, so I paired them with a black long-sleeved sheer top and tights. Funny story about these tights. I popped into Kmart just to grab a cheapie pair of black, opaque tights. When I got home, the brand new pair I had purchased had a giant hole right along the middle seam at the top. I thought I might get away with it being under the shorts, but as I put the tights on, the hole spread. I made a split second decision to add more holes and destroy the tights on purpose. I think it added to my "witchy" vibe. I love choosing a "look" and going for it!
This sheer top has an incredible pattern throughout it, and that gave me the idea to go for a the witchy vibe. It reminded me of Stevie Nicks, and who can say no to that? The shorts are a gorgeous faux leather with an adorable scalloped hem, which I think lends a more feminine flair to an overall dark getup. In keeping with my theme, I added a fox tail and raccoon tail to my fringe purse, and donned my Scarlett Garnet jawbone necklace. This belt was a surprise holiday gift from my Aunt Kathi years and years ago (probably about 10 now) and is made completely of recycled materials: recycled rubber, recycled bottlecaps, and and old seat belt buckle that acts as the clasp. I threw it on last minute because I felt I was missing that final piece. I have to say that this one of my all-time favorite looks. I'll be recreating it in different variations for sure. Alive Magazine's photo team was on the scene and snapped the two below photos. Thanks, guys!
I can't say if I've ever been invited to anything that's "VIP," and that felt pretty neat! The evening was held at Scape American Bistro in the Central West End. The weather was gorgeous out with a breeze and slightly overcast. I didn't realize that valet parking would be available, so I parked in a nearby garage and hiked over to Scape.
Upon entering Scape, I was directed by a STLFW volunteer up the stairs and into the event. When I signed in, I received a badge with my name and blog name on it, which made me feel quite official! While arriving I bumped into Marisa of Vogue Rhythm and Felicia, who I have met before and adore. We enjoyed complimentary beverages from Pinnacle Vodka and Skinny Girl Wine. I liked the Chardonnay a lot! We headed over to the photobooth and had some snaps taken, and I knew I had to grab another "metagram" of Marisa just like I did at the Kickoff Party. I think I'm going to have to do that every time as a joke. Scape provided some tasty appetizers to nibble on as we chatted with each other and with the local brands.
There was a good mix of outfits that represented the crossroads between winter and spring found amongst the bloggers. I love seeing everyone all dressed up! I wanted to wear a new pair of shorts I'd snatched on sale from Nasty Gal, but I was feeling overall fairly witchy, so I paired them with a black long-sleeved sheer top and tights. Funny story about these tights. I popped into Kmart just to grab a cheapie pair of black, opaque tights. When I got home, the brand new pair I had purchased had a giant hole right along the middle seam at the top. I thought I might get away with it being under the shorts, but as I put the tights on, the hole spread. I made a split second decision to add more holes and destroy the tights on purpose. I think it added to my "witchy" vibe. I love choosing a "look" and going for it!
This sheer top has an incredible pattern throughout it, and that gave me the idea to go for a the witchy vibe. It reminded me of Stevie Nicks, and who can say no to that? The shorts are a gorgeous faux leather with an adorable scalloped hem, which I think lends a more feminine flair to an overall dark getup. In keeping with my theme, I added a fox tail and raccoon tail to my fringe purse, and donned my Scarlett Garnet jawbone necklace. This belt was a surprise holiday gift from my Aunt Kathi years and years ago (probably about 10 now) and is made completely of recycled materials: recycled rubber, recycled bottlecaps, and and old seat belt buckle that acts as the clasp. I threw it on last minute because I felt I was missing that final piece. I have to say that this one of my all-time favorite looks. I'll be recreating it in different variations for sure. Alive Magazine's photo team was on the scene and snapped the two below photos. Thanks, guys!
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| Photo: Amber Joivon for Alive Magazine |
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| Photo: Amber Joivon for Alive Magazine |
All my newest babely blogger pals! From left to right above:
Michelle Volansky of Creature Type, Sarah Stallmann of The Wicked Wallflower, Marisa Lather of Vogue Rhythm, Carmen Boeser of The Ruby Zipper, Felicia Ruiz, Myself, and Brittany Williams of Love.Style.Transform. Please check them all out and give them some much-deserved lovin'.
And now for some photos from the brands that were present! I have to admit that I could have stayed for hours and hours longer. I'm a chatty person, so I really only managed to make the rounds through the northern room. Ahhhh, I wish I could have talked more in-depth with some of the southern room's brands as well. Oh goodness. I need to learn to budget my time better!
BelleStyle Jewelry had an exquisite selection for browsing. Artist and Creator of BelleStyle, Heather Krako (in the hat), explains her new collection, Atomic Tangerine, to Marisa. I loved the pieces with the fringe on them. Some of her delicate bracelets caught my eye as well.
The beautimous Skylar was working the Blue Bird Apparel booth that night, so we chatted for a bit! She was rocking an amazing pair of shorts that I might just need from Blue Bird. A new friend in the real world, Jessica Sikes, models for Blue Bird so I've seen her wear some of their clothes as well. I'm definitely interested! Find more information about Blue Bird HERE.
Triflare was present as well, showcasing some of their gorgeous competition wear. The company produces triathlon wear for every level of competitor, all with some amazing flare added! I would love to have the right piece as a onesie to rock with a high-waisted skirt!
The Bronx-Diba-Luichiny booth had some pretty delicious-looking shoes. The red block heels were calling my name. I have a serious soft spot for pointed-toes. I'm also loving the sandals with the detailed platform. BUT REALLY. Let's talk about those oxfords!!! Holy moly, those babies are gorgeous. The booth had a chance for bloggers to win a gift card if you posted a photo on Instagram and hashtagged it appropriately. Unfortunately, I totally goofed and forgot one of the hashtags, oops! You can find more of their shoes on their website HERE.
One of the friendliest booths at the event (which I think was a hit with all of us!) was Shirt Kong. They're a local (St. Peters, MO) company, owned by two super friendly young folks who were both present at the event. They are an apparel printing company and they also have a catalog you can order many different items from. You can purchase their own designs, or submit your own to be printed in whatever increment you desire. That's pretty cool! The ecatalog has all sorts of apparel pieces to peruse, including some super comfy-looking tank tops in varying prints and cuts for the upcoming warmer weather. I even spied a doggie shirt! They were kind enough to gift us swag bags with goodies in them, like a physical copy of their catalog and a coupon just for us to shop their website. When we posted on Instagram or Twitter and shared a photo of their booth, we were allowed to pick out a top from their rack. That was awesome! I immediately fell for the gorgeous heather-grey tee with sleeves. I've been to two out of the four cities on the tee, so that's pretty cool! It's an incredibly soft and breathable top that I'm excited to wear with denim shorts and wedge sandals. I have a vintage red clutch that I know will match the text, too! Please give Shirt Kong some attention and love HERE.
I was so pleased to be invited to this event and can't wait to attend many more with the Saint Louis blogger crew! I'm grateful to have learned more about local brands and hope to seek out friendships with them. Some week soon I'd like to make it out to Wine Down Wednesdays at Dimvaloo! I was hoping to go tomorrow, but then my cousin invited me over for dinner and video games, which I never get the chance to indulge in anymore so I jumped at the chance!
Thanks for reading my super long post! I appreciate it! I have two more posts geared up that I'm excited to share with you soon!
Outfit Details:
Cami beneath top: Old old old Forever21
Hot Shorts: Nasty Gal Fever Dream Faux Leather Shorts
Tights: KMart (bought in store with a hole already in them unbeknownst to me, other holes DIY'd)
Shoes: Years and years ago, bought off a Korean website because Chantal over at Cocorosa had them.
Belt: Gifted from an aunt years ago (originally from Buckle, I believe)
Earrings: Made from vintage jewelry by my mom. She has an etsy site HERE. You can find some ridiculously old and terrible photographs of me modeling her pretty work, haha!
Jawbone Necklace: Gifted to me by a friend, a Scarlett Garnet original
Bag: Avalon Exchange (traded for)
Arctic Fox Tail: Purchased when I was probably 10 years old at the Washington University Pow Wow
Raccoon Tail: I kid you not, I found this in a parking lot. Is that terrible?! It already had clasp and everything, so I knew it wasn't just a rogue critter tail. I've outed myself as a scavenger, haha!
Makeup Details:
Face: Wet 'n Wild Coverall Cream Foundation in Light/Medium, Revlon PhotoReady Powder in Fair/Light, NARS Blush in Orgasm
Eyes: Nyx Cosmetics Love in Rio Palette in the color Escape with Rico (eyebrows also filled in with this palette), Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, Maybelline Volum'Express Mascara in The Mega Plush
Lips: Nyx Cosmetics Xtreme Lip Cream in Buttery Nude