Simply Stylist New York

Me with Catt Sadler

Me with Corri McFadden

Me with Jacey Duprie

Me with Jay Manuel

Shirt: TJ Maxx, Leather Pants: H&M, Wedges: Steve Madden, Crossbody: Banana Republic

This weekend, I attended the "Simply Stylist" event at the Park Central Hotel in New York. I had heard about it after one of my biggest role models, Catt Sadler, tweeted a link and said that she was going to be there. I had heard of the event before, but this really made me want to go. On top of that, I saw that two of my favorite fashion bloggers (Damsel in Dior and WeWoreWhat) were going to be there. The event is all about learning tips and networking etc. for bloggers, so I also figured it would be a good learning experience!

I went with my sister, Olivia. At first, when we walked up the stairs in the hotel, the "shopping & pampering" aspect of the event was going on. We walked around and browsed through the clothing--everything that I did like was over my budget, so I was a good girl and just looked. After meandering around for a little, a crowd of people came up the stairs, and leading the pack was Jay Manuel from America's Next Top Model! So Olivia and I walked over to where he was standing and got on the line to take a picture with him. Why not?! Luckily for us, although we were towards the front of the massive line, we were one of the last people that got to take pictures with him...he's a busy man! 

Afterwards, we went on a mission to find Catt Sadler. I asked one of the girls who was working at the event if she happened to know if Catt was there, and she told us she had just taken a picture with her, so she lead us around to try and find Catt. (Side note: All the girls working at the event were super nice!!) We ended up bumping right into her, where we then chatted for a little (my heart was racing a little bit, not gonna lie) and then we took some pictures. For all of you who don't know, Catt is one of the hosts of E! News, an amazing interviewer and fashionista and she was seriously super genuine and sweet.

Next, while Olivia and I were mid-conversation, she turned to me and went, "Is that Damsel In Dior?" (Jacey Duprie). Olivia's comment was then followed by me pulling up Instagram to compare the Jacey in pictures to the woman standing next to us. For some reason, we could not figure out if it was her or not! And if any of you follow Jacey on Instagram, you will know that The Damsel is oftentimes sporting sunglasses so our task was made even more difficult. Finally, we decided (although not 100% sure) that it was her so we awkwardly asked if she was Jacey, and sure enough it was! Jacey was one of the nicest people I met. Everyone there was just so friendly! My sister and I talked to her for about 20 mins. about blogging, school, running...and she seemed like she was in no rush and was really invested in the conversation. Her story also really inspired me.  

Shortly later, my sister & I attended some of the "breakout" sessions which included tips on social networking, blogging, etc. One of the women, Corri McFadden, was my favorite speaker. Besides giving essential tips, she was hysterical!!! 

Overall, I'm so happy I attended the Simply Stylist event; I definitely had an amazing time. If any of you fellow bloggers have the opportunity to attend any beauty/fashion events-- go! I promise getting away from your computer for the day will truly be worth it. I learned so much and spoke to people that I've always dreamed of meeting. 

PS: I didn't bring a camera so these are all iPhone pictures. I'm due for a new iPhone very soon as this one is about two years old so the camera quality is pretty much crap. Sorry about that :)

Casual Autumn OOTD

The weather has finally cooled down and October now feels as it should (brisk and windy). Today, I decided to keep it casual and show you guys what I wore to school today.

For the bottom half, I kept it classic: skinny jeans and nude flats. For the top, I went with an orangey-red/rust colored shirt, to fit in with the leaves that have now truly began changing color. To complete the outfit, I threw on a gray anorak jacket. What I love about jackets like these are a) they go with everything and b) are the perfect layering piece. As of right now, the mornings have been absolutely freezing, then it warms up during the day, and is cool again in the evening. A jacket like this is super handy to have when you're not sure exactly where the weather is headed. Originally, I wanted an army green utility style jacket, but once I saw this one at Aeropostale I decided the slate gray was actually a perfect color. And how could I pass it up once I saw the sneaky little neon green zippers inside?

I hope you guys enjoy the rest of my Autumn looks!

Anorak jacket: Aeropostale (similar here & here)
Jeans: American Eagle
Shirt: Urban Outfitters (similar here)
Flats: Target (similar here)

Gold Rush

Polish: Essie "Good As Gold", Flats: Target, Headband: Forever 21 (similar) 

     Now that fall has arrived, I feel like I can get away with wearing golds more than I could in the summer. 

    This Essie Polish called "Good As Gold" is my absolute favorite nail polish that I own; not just because of the cool color, but because of how amazing the formula is. This particular Essie creation glides on like liquid gold--seriously, I can't even explain it, it just smooths on right over my nails. I'm not the best (or even necessarily good, for that matter), at doing my nails, but the formula of this polish makes it impossible to mess up. What's even better? It dries in about 5 minutes. Yesterday, before going out to dinner for my friend's birthday, I painted my nails with this and was out the door in 10 minutes with completely dry nails.
     
    Another thing I've wanted for a long time now have been pointed-toe flats, but I always felt like maybe I couldn't pull them off. The gold on the tips of these makes them much easier to pull off because it breaks up the shoe where your toes start, so it doesn't look like you have a long & pointy set of witches' shoes on. Plus, the gold makes them more special than just a plain black flat.

     The last gold item I've added to my closet is this plaid, gold-chained headband from Forever 21. Plaid, as I'm sure many of you know, is super in right now, and I love how the print looks against the gold. It might be a bit of a wintery purchase, but you know what, who cares? I think it's super cute and it was only $5.00...how can I put that away until December?!