inspiration: the Academy Awards

Awards season has officially drawn to a close as the Academy Awards wrapped last Sunday night. We still don't have a television in our apartment, so I followed the fashion via Twitter and other sites. Here are a few of my favorites of the night:

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

[source]

Michelle has been so on point lately, and this layered LV gown was my favorite of the night. The color is gorgeous, the silhouette looks fabulous, and the gown was fitted to Michelle perfectly. I can't compliment it enough. I loved her matching lip color and the pink minaudiere.

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

[source]

Alexander McQueen pieces have such an artistic quality, and Jessica sparkled in this detailed gown. I also loved her classic hair and makeup. The entire look was flawless.

Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli

[source]

I wasn't sure how I felt about this gown at first. I've loved pretty much everything Emma has worn lately, but the first photo I saw made the bow look odd. Now that I've revisited the look, I like it. The color is a perfect match for Emma's fair skin and red hair, and the bow makes it stand out from the crowd. In the sea of beige and tan dresses we've seen lately, this punchy fuchsia was daring and different.

Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel

[source]

The shade of this J. Mendel gown is similar to the Bill Blass she wore to the Golden Globes, but I like the detailing of this one.

Tina Fey in Carolina Herrara

[source]

My bff (jkjkjk) Tina always gets flack for choosing off-the-wall gowns, but I really loved everything about this look. Very classy, yet a little unexpected with the belt and tier.

must-have Monday: Vintage Re-Issue Weekender by Fossil

[source]

In my eyes, Fossil can do no wrong, especially in the design and quality of their handbags. I've been carrying Fossil bags for about five years now, and I have always been impressed by their ability to stand the test of time while still looking fabulous.

I have had the handbag bug for a few weeks now, and I recently stumbled upon this beauty: the Vintage Re-Issue Weekender with linen panels. The leather is classic, but the linen offers a unique detail that's perfect for spring. I love the cross-stitch-inspired design on the linen as well, which really plays up the vintage inspiration of the bag. The shape and size are perfect for traveling or even a day exploring a new city.

It's beautiful in New York today, and the weather makes me even more ready for spring!

Lucky Style Collective Breakfast

[Laurren and The Science Fair and me outside the BA Kitchen]

I've been reading Lucky Magazine since I can remember, and when A Flattering Tale was accepted into their Lucky Style Collective last fall, I was so unbelievably excited and honored. During New York Fashion Week, Lucky was wonderful enough to host a breakfast at the chic BA Kitchen for the LSC bloggers who were in town.

After mingling with fellow bloggers, Editor-in-Chief Brandon Holley hosted a Q&A with fellow Lucky staff, including Beauty Director Jean Godfrey-June, Executive Fashion Director Alexis Bryan Morgan and Style Collective Editor, social media guru and creator of Textbook, John Jannuzzi. The Lucky team talked about the value of bloggers, taking your blog to the next level and who has the best style resources: Michelle Obama or Kate Middleton.

Krista Canfield, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at LinkedIn, then gave a tutorial on how to better use LinkedIn as bloggers and professionals.

Breakfast was provided by Momofuku Milk Bar, and everything was so delicious. I can't wait to go to there myself to get some more cake truffles.

On the way out, we posed for professional photos while wearing pieces from the Lucky closet. What a magical morning that I'll never forget...

[dress: ASOS// heels: Contributor by Rachel Comey// blazer and ceramic white watch: Fossil// tights: Uniqlo// earrings: gift from my amazing friend Anne]

age of aquarius: 100% NY A/W 2012

 

In an apartment overlooking Central Park West, 100% NY presented their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection to the public during New York Fashion Week. 100% NY, composed of designers and FIT summa cum laude graduates Daniel Silverstein and Marge Bacon, is an eco-savvy brand focused on creating luxury fashion while eliminating unnecessary waste common in producing clothing.

 

The 100% NY Autumn/Winter 2012 presentation was aptly named "Aquarius"—the 11th astrological sign that encompasses originality, humanitarianism, unpredictability, independence and a vision for making the world a better place. The air sign is a perfect representation of both 100% NY's dedication to be environmentally conscious and the ethereal quality of their designs.

Autumn/Winter 2012 was a fresh fusion of modern draping and silhouettes with Greco-Roman influences. I saw the collection as a witchy Helen of Troy—a bit mystical with classical structure. According to their press materials, Creative Director Silverstein and Head Designer Bacon also drew inspiration from Picasso and beatnik culture of the 1960s.

The stunning Atlas dress shows the detail put into every piece in the collection. I loved the black thread used in the applique. Marge, who serves as Head Designer of 100% NY, was wearing a black version of the Atlas dress with red threading. The form of the dress itself was so flattering to the figure, and the applique made it one of a kind.

I really loved the chunky knitwear as well.

My favorite piece was the cardigown, a flowing dress that fastened in the front, complete with the signature spine—gorgeous applique detailing accentuating the back of the piece. The cardigown reminded me of Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon," and I can definitely picture it styled a deep red lip and gold gypsy-esque jewelry.

For more information about 100% NY, visit their website here.

Bloggers Night Out

Bloggers Night Out is an event held during Fashion Week that invites style bloggers out to get together, learn about some amazing sponsors and celebrate all things fashion. I attended by second Bloggers Night Out event, and this one was even better than the first.

[the fabulous Amy from Baby Budget Blog and me]

[dress: old, from Dillard's// solid gray tights: Uniqlo// lace tights: Cynthia Rowley// earrings: gift from my friend Anne]

[Tammy of A Loyal Love and Jamie of High Heeled Traveler...who was wearing the J.Crew Heart Throb shirt I've been coveting!]

[Ashley of the daileigh, Cortnie of StyleLust Pages and Amy]

[me and Emijaa]

[Emijaa and Kris]

T.J. Maxx was one of the sponsors of the event, and I actually won a Marc by Marc Jacobs cuff bracelet in one of their contests!

[Jerrica of Fashion Nostalgia, Amy and Monroe of Fashion Steele NYC]

must-have Monday: Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick

[source]

I have a love-hate relationship with lip color. I've never been great at wearing lip stick—I always end up smearing it all over my face somehow. I've always relied on tried-and-true glosses, which can offer a little color and shine without the risk of lip stick. While I love the feeling of lip gloss, nothing can beat the flawless matte color of a lip stick.

A few weeks ago, I embarked on a quest to find a lip stick that was easy to wear, long lasting and smudge proof. After taking a suggestion from a nice sales associate at Sephora, I chose the Big & Healthy Lip Stick by Buxom (Bare Escentuals) in a light pink shade called "Vienna."

I am a big fan of Buxom glosses (thanks to a Christmas gift from my lovely friend Maria), so I trusted that the same brand would not let me down—and I was right. The Big & Healthy Lip Stick offers punchy color with a formula that keeps your lips moisturized. The actual product is shaped like a pen, which helps me apply without mistakes. I had no problems with the color smearing or feathering, and the lip color has a nice plumping tingle as well. As the day progresses, the color does wear away, so I typically reapply every few hours.

If you're lip stick challenged like I am, I recommend trying the Big & Healthy Lip Stick. The product costs more than a typical drug store lip stick (at $18), but I think the investment is worth it for this level of matte color.

LuLu*s Style Studio

Last Friday night was so fun! I attended the LuLu*s Style Studio event at the Openhouse Gallery in NoLita. The event space was packed with style bloggers, fashionistas and tons of LuLu*s clothes and accessories. Drinks were served courtesy of Hpnotiq, and goodies courtesy of Violent Lips, JewelMint and POPBeauty.

Clothing and accessories were sorted into a few floral categories:

I had such a great time learning more about LuLu*s and meeting fellow bloggers Natalia, Bethany and Jessica (who kindly helped me find my way to the train...not quite a New Yorker yet). I even got to spin the prize wheel...and won an amazing suede jacket by BB Dakota! Altogether, a great night.

LuLu*s has the cutest pieces for amazingly low prices. Here are a few of my recent favorites:

LuLu*s by hopevictoria featuring a navy blue dress

spotlight: IFBcon

Last Wednesday, I attended the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference at Milk Studios here in New York (I also went last September). IFBcon is a gathering of style bloggers and fashion experts that features informational panels, event sponsors and a forum for the blogging community. One of my favorite aspects of IFBcon is meeting some of my favorite bloggers and adding new ones to my bloglovin' list. This year, I was happy to catch up with Emijaa and meet a lot of bloggers, including Nicole, Odelia, Ely, Jessica, Casey and Alison. So great talking with you ladies!

[dress and watch: Fossil// vest: Free People// bag: Steve Madden// belt: Forever 21// tights: Uniqlo// heels: Beartcat Vintage]

What I learned from the panels this year:

Media Goes Mobile

• Have a unique voice, and eventually people will take notice.
• Always write what you would be interested in reading.
• Make connections through social media avenues you are comfortable using.
• Think about what you want to become.
• Your blog is your new resume.
• Broaden your horizons.

Your Blog, Your Dream, Or Just the Beginning?

• Establish credibility.
• Be transparent about your blog to your loved ones and employers.
• Don't forget to live life—put your computer away, turn off your phone, focus on your experiences.
• If you offer sponsorships, think about what you want for your blog as a brand. Be wary of companies that do not support your blog's purpose.
• Know what you're worth.

How to Make Your Blog Irresistible

• Your point of view is important.
• Drive your blog's traffic by seeing what works for you.
• Be innovative.
• Think about the value of every post. What will the audience gain from reading?

I loved the sponsors this year as well: ThinkThin Bars (one of my personal favorites...the only thing positive that came from my very short stint reading GOOP), ASOS, Zoya, J Brand, Arizona Tea and LifeBooker.

If you're a blogger in New York for fashion week (or a marketer interested in working with bloggers), I suggest attending IFBcon. You'll learn a lot, grab a bag of amazing sponsor goodies and meet a lot of wonderful people.