What I Wore to IFB

This week has been a whirlwind of activity. Wednesday’s IFB Evolving Influence Conference was an excellent and eye-opening experience. And the evening’s first ModlyChic-sponsored event, StrandedBlogger, was a success. (More on StrandedBlogger in the days ahead.)

Tuesday’s IFB Conference was the first I have been able to attend. Despite having read numerous summaries from previous events and watching part of the live stream in February, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. With my Starbucks in hand and my heels firmly in place I scurried over to the MILK Studios on the lower West Side, doing my best to ignore the little drizzle. The line for entry was already wrapping the building – thankfully the rain held off to a light mist until I was nearly indoors. (Sidenote, while waiting in line, Justin Timberlake got out of a black SUV and just waltzed right through the doors next to me. I admit to having a momentary high school fan moment but luckily I forget to try and snap a pic.)

In line I met up with the lovely Dress Courage, who is absolutely as sweet and wonderful in person as she appears on her blog, as well as The Well Appointed Catwalk, a fellow Boston Blogger. I also met ByAnika, The Citizen Rosebud, and Pretty Shiny Sparkly - all of which were just the sweetest and so easy to talk to. And then there were the dozens of amazing bloggers I connected with for the first time.

Once in doors we registered, filled out name-tags (which were SUPER helpful) and got a swag bag. The bag included Urban Decay eye shadow, a mini flat iron, nail polish, sample bottles of KMS hair products, a Luna bar and an adorable hair clip. Other event swag included the ability to get your hair done by a KMS stylist (I had this guy - pic below - flip mine up), manicures, Magnum icecream bars, and a chance to win Aldo shoes. Pretty sweet.

The room was like one giant catwalk, but instead of underfed models it was a hundred girl-next-door types. The variety of outfits was impressive and so inspiring. There were vintage pieces, simple dresses, statement pieces, spectacular heels and arm parties. But as cliche as this sounds the best fashion statement was the fact that so many attendees were so open, amiable and easy to talk to. I’m awed every Friday when the FBFF community gets together but this event had an even greater sense of camaraderie. I wish I got more pictures of the amazing bloggers I met - but alas, I wasn’t walking around with my camera most of the day. I did manage to get this picture with KayCee.

Honestly - dressing for this event took way too much time and thought on my part. I couldn’t figure out what would be appropriate to wear. The event lasted from 9 in the morning until 7 at night. I needed to be comfortable enough in the outfit to walk around the city getting to the location, but also look the part of the fashion blogger (although what that look is I’m not sure.) This polka dot dress was custom designed by the amazingly talented and Boston local, Jiminie. She owns the adorable Etsy shop My Black Dress, which, not surprisingly, specializes in Little Black Dresses. I may never buy a LBD from a store again. Jiminie may be making every one of mine in the future. She’s mad talented. The dress fit perfectly and felt so wonderfully feminine on.

And the shoes… well, you know I have a thing for great shoes that have a funky side. Shawn, the madly talented Etsy designer behind Shoes for Queens, made me these astounding pumps just for the event. They have feathers, rhinestones, and the best part… book print along the heels - perfectly suited for this journalist and lover of words. I let Shawn take the reigns on creating these shoes - well aware that the uber-creative types make masterpieces when they can create from a vision in their head. No point in my trying to dictate a look when I’m not the one with the vision. Seriously - if you need fun shoes for any event, get Shawn to make them for you. I’m going to wear these babies forever!!

Tip: For an event that has the potential of making you feel a little out of your element make sure to wear something that is ultra-you and comfortable enough so that you aren’t worried about how you look.

Dress: c/o My Black Dress
Belt: Ann Taylor
Shoes: c/o Shoes for Queens
Bangles: Claire’s, Ann Taylor LOFT
Earrings: Claire’s