Glamorizer by JennieB!
why stop at good?The Future is Electric – and Sassy!
Last Thursday was the highly anticipated event & trunk show – Sassy City Chicks Fashion Bash at Fort Mason’s Herbst Pavilion. It was a truly amazing and well executed event! I understood before RSVP-ing that “the swag bag alone was worth it” – and true as that was, the overall event was amazing too!
The swag was luxe to be sure, and The Sassy City Chicks are so committed to making sure that the tote is worth it that they even have a ‘motto’ dedicated to it on their site . I attended as a member of press and received a media swag tote and a personalized overview of the event offerings by the organizers and members of the PR team from the lead sponsor, Chevy. I couldn’t help but be impressed with gifted jewelry from the major jewelry designers featured at the event, AKnot, Belina (ah-maze jewelry and handbags) and mnatura. Other great products I can’t wait to try came from: Nick Chavez, Vita Fusion, Yes to…, softlips, Rotho, ecotools, LA splash, Sue Devitt.
Spread around the hall were booths selling samples and one-of-a-kind clothing, bags, sunglasses and jewelry. The Sassy City Chicks also set up a Spa-Lounge where local spas and salons offered complementary services to the shoppers. This was all happening to music spun by a live DJ in the middle of the pavilion. The highlight was that Chevy had some of their current line of cars with jewelry displayed in the trunk – a true Trunk Show!
After running around the sale for a bit with Angelica and Ashley, perusing the racks and racks of indie designers and jewelers, hunting for fashion finds at bargain prices, we took advantage of experiencing a ride in a Chevy Volt. Our driver took us on a quick run to Chrissy Field and back and we were pretty impressed with how stylish and comfortable the ride was!
Once we were back at the trunk show, we took one last lap around the sale and had our last sips of the amazing Creamsicle cocktails from Pinnacle Vodka, we called it a night and went home to enjoy all the great swag in our Sassy Gift Totes (score!!!) Can’t wait for next time – see you there sassy city chicks!
SxSW N00B!
I’m just back from Austin where I attended the Interactive portion of SxSW. I picked up a few tips and learned a few things during this first attempt at the conference.
1) Smart footwear
Do not ignore when people say “wear comfortable shoes”. Thankfully I paid attention; it was surprising how much I walked!
2) Device charging strategy
Don’t forget to charge your phone/iPad/laptop each night. Also – if you can buy a battery pack or other wireless charger that doesn’t need to plug into the wall you’ll be set. The conference hosts lots of opportunities for free charging, but that takes time (30 mins for the secure locker ATT version) or hanging in the sponsored charging lounges – which have comfy couches and where I was able to meet new people, but “wasted time” away from the conference and/or working on my trend hunting project (#styleinthewild on twitter). The best bang for the buck charging + networking was the Samsung Blogger Lounge – lots of spacious tables, TONS of plugs, a fridge full of ________ (namebrandsponsoredsoda). and lovely sxsw-ers to connect with.
3) Plan, but be flexible
I could have read the schedule a little more closely. I did get to attend a ton of great panels, and caught a bunch of fun parties/networking Happy Hours, but still missed a few things here and there that I regret. Keep in mind that now there are multiple venues hosting panels – so you’ll need to prepare to catch shuttles between venues, and allow for that transition time.
4) RSVP to everything
If nothing else, just to keep track. Use apps/sites like foursquare & Plancast to keep tabs on what’s happening. I recommend using Foursquare, because checking in to a panel won me tickets to see an amazing free concert. Also before you go search the web to find other non-sponsored sites that are tracking cool events or find apps that give insight to ‘hotspots’ throughout the event.
5) Introduce yourself freely
Where ever you are that you see strangers – if circumstances allow, introduce yourself, pass your card (tactfully). Many many times I was near interesting and relevant people by chance and unknowingly introduced myself to very cool people who I’m now connected with. If you have a project or product that you’re interested in talking about – have a practiced ‘elevator speech’ ready. You care much more about your ‘thing’ than the other person. Having a digital networking strategy also could help – the Hashable app was helpful this year for those using Twitter.
6) Moisture/water/vitaminC
Carry chapstick and water. You will become dehydrated, it’s uncomfortable. Also, invest in EmergenC packets – you’ll be surprised how a packet or two a day will change your experience.
7) Heed the ‘don’t drink too much’ warnings – but apply the advise appropriately
You won’t pay for many (if any) drinks at SxSW (if you’re doing it right), however, that is easy to ‘take advantage of’ so be sure that on the nights you want to do so, you’re not thinking of pitching or connecting with important new people, or attempting to do serious business. #commonsense
8 ) Go with the flow
You’ll find yourself in the oddest combination of business & social interactions throughout the week, so while you’re still figuring it all out – go along with what the most senior/influential/mentor-worthy person is doing and hope for the best.
9) Be stylish
Remember that your outfit is your ‘landing page’ and if you look like you just rolled out of a friends hotel room in the start-up tee and jeans from the night before, you aren’t making the first impression you want.
10) Bring snacks and have a food strategy
There is a LOT going on – so having a protein bar in your bag isn’t a bad idea. Also – BBQ is great, but the easier (and more regretful) thing will be an expensive ‘Bacon Cone’ or a grilled cheese sandwich from the conference offerings. So, mapping a few good healthy restaurants or a place where you can at least know a salad exists is not a bad plan. Remember, Whole Foods is HQ’d in Austin and depending on where you hang – the Fifth street store isn’t all that far. You don’t want to forget to eat or all those free drinks will take you straight to trouble-land.
11) Taxis/transportation
Taxi service pretty much sucks in Austin – esp. if you’re coming from SF (where they must pick you up by law). Leave bars before 1:30a.m. and understand which direction is south-north because taxis are fussy about which way they travel at late hours. Buses are $1 each way or $2 for a 24 hour day pass and run past midnight (score!). Your Google maps app on your smart-phone will help you find buses easily – it was my saving grace.
12) Support local business
This stems from basic karma. Don’t ‘check in’ at Starbucks if there is an amazing café near your home base. The citizens of Austin love/hate SxSWers but appreciates that you support Local while you’re there. Also remember, the citizens, wait staff or hotel staff appreciate what SxSW does for the economy, but not so much that they’ll love tolerating douchy behavior. Respect, and have love for these folks who are working twice as hard to accommodate the masses who takeover the city for the conference. You are owed nothing – be gracious.
13) Follow up
For all those fun amazing people you met, the effort is worthless if all they represent is a pile of business cards on your desk. If possible do some #FollowFridays on Twitter while at the conference, when you return maybe connect via LinkedIn and then the Monday following email your new-found connections mid-day to solidify that introduction in Austin.
SxSW is most-likely going to be fun no matter how you attack it, however, there is a way to do it with comfort, style and grace – hopefully, you will benefit from some of these ideas and have a fabulous time! See you in 2012!
The “Tragically Hip” Oscars
Last night at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards ceremony, stunts? They were pulled. The opening montage was something that I would have expected from the MTV Movie awards – not the Oscars. I actually did enjoy Anne Hathaway and James Franco as hosts though as Gawker agrees, James was likely doing his own secret PSA for the Cannabis Corps. I thought Anne was fresh and easygoing albeit a little dingy, à la Marlo Thomas in That Girl.
All of the bad jokes, CGI’ing Bob Hope back from the dead to announce a presenter, bringing back Billy Crystal (from the dead?) mid-show to make us all appreciate Beauty and the Stoned, the wacky MTV-quality montages and hi-jinks and even the mysterious appearance of Celine Dion singing for the ‘Death Montage’ nearly took my focus away from what the Oscars is REALLY all about – the gowns. So let’s get to it!
When it comes to Oscar gowns, I tend to focus on color trends more than style trends. Choosing a gown for something as critical as The Oscars and following fashion trends instead of what suits body type or personality is a sure way to end up on Go Fug Yourself.
The top color trends at the Oscars this year were “Lady in Red”, “Devil in a Blue Dress”, “Purple Haze” & “Champagne Supernova”. I found the purple, plum and violet gowns this year to look the freshest and newest, and my 2 favorite looks in any color – Cate Blanchett and Mila Kunis – were in this category. Here are the looks:
*all photos from Style.com
and the winner of My Favorite Dress of the Entire Evening is:
Mila Kunis
*photo: Huffington Post
Mila wore a lovely Elie Saab lilac Grecian column. I thought the color really suited her and even though the neckline was a bit racy, it didn’t come across trashy, and it fit her beautifully. The dress was light and airy and moved in such a lovely way as she walked. I had a hard time choosing between her and Cate in her architectural Givenchy gown, but I felt that Mila’s gown was much more classic and wearable. Watch this space – maybe I’ll discuss the Givenchy dress in a future post.
The Oscars are once again said and done, yet I’d bet the prep for next year’s ceremony is practically underway. There is always much too much to say about all that surrounds the ceremony and too many angles to cover, but it always comes down to one winning film, actor and actress. In my case, it comes down to one winning look. Congratulations and thank you Hollywood for another great year!
Rebecca Taylor Fall’11
I first saw Rebecca Taylor’s designs in a Japanese magazine a ton of years ago – delicate, feminine pieces that really suited the waif of a Japanese model shot in perfect sunlight in an incredibly spacious suburban Tokyo apartment.
Rebecca live-streamed her show so Best-Coasters like me could enjoy the first look at Fall. The first looks down the runway popped with a gorgeous raspberry color and she showcased her ‘print genius’. She really understands how to work with prints – scale as well as motif. These prints have a bit of a boho look to them and something that is reminding me of the eyes of peacock feathers.
Though the general flavor was 70s boho, there was a sprinkling of the 90s as well – wide necklines, cropped jackets, knee-length skirts. Styling-wise, sleek long hair and sheer black’ hose added to the 90s appeal.
Fabrics were delicate overall and she used texture blocking to introduce some heavier fabrics which grounded the collection. I liked that she worked in some of the ruffled sleeves that cover the shoulders as I’ve seen in past collections, and in general ruffling and layering of sheer fabrics which she does really well. Colors stayed bold and saturated throughout the show against new neutrals – slates, greys, and taupes. I’m personally not a fan of the dark cobalt that she is repeating throughout the collection but her muted jewel tones are fresh looking and over all make me super excited for fall!
I only started to notice jewelry as I saw one necklace that she repeated throughout the show – a chunky statement necklace with jade stones and gold. Maybe this is because she showed a lot of sheer flowy ruffled pieces that aren’t suited to ‘runway’ accessories, and the amount of “sparkly” in the fabrics she chose for cocktail dresses don’t need strong accessories. A couple of silhouettes that stood out included cropped straight leg pants – a look I’ve always adored and the strong shoulder – both a big part of her evening statement. Looks I responded to were the tiered ruffle skirts & dresses and a really interesting terra-cotta silk pant. Other interesting details were a ‘fan shaped’ cut-out neckline and the layers of sheer, including a layered sheer maxi-pant worn with a great tunic top.
I look forward to seeing her collection on the streets and how many other collections will continue with these 70s and 90s influences as fashion week marches on.
(photos to follow)
Regular blogging is so chic!
Blogging weekly is part of the JennieB! 2011 Revolution. I am revamping my attitude about what blogging is to me. Rather than just thinking about doing it, I’m starting right now. I will be posting on this blog at LEAST once a week for all of 2011. I’m committed to contributing some relevant fashion/style/tech content to this digital environment we all share.
This will be a crazy year – so I know it won’t be easy, but I intend to make it fun, inspiring, awesome and wonderful — for me and hopefully you too!
I’m using WordPress’ “The DailyPost”, and inspiration from the community of other bloggers with similar goals, to help me along the way, including asking for help when I need it and encouraging others when I can.
If you already read my blog, I hope you’ll encourage me with comments and likes, and good will along the way.
xoxo
JennieB!
Stay Gold (or Green, or Blush…)
I forget how much I love award shows until I start watching. Each year the Golden Globes serves as a great reminder of all the movies I still need to see before the Oscars and usually quite the gown-fest. Which, when it gets down to it, is really the sole reason I watch these type of shows…
The colors this year were stunning – lots of jewel tones – and blush/nude tones. Emerald green was a newcomer as well as a lot of red, which I find odd, since most of the shots of any award show happen on the red carpet (clash much?). In addition to new color trends, sleeved and one-shoulder gowns were all over. Here are some of my favorite gowns of the night.
Mila Kuniz in Vera Wang
Photo: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
Maybe it was the girl-crush I got after watching Black Swan, or it could be my anti-Angelina bend, but my favorite of the handful of emerald-green gowns last night was Mila’s. Other contenders were Elizabeth Moss and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
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Anne Hathaway, in Armani Privé, with Van Cleef & Arpels jewels.
Photo: Jason Merritt / Getty Images
Since it’s early yet in 2011 – and I’ve already broke my 30 days of Tracy Anderson resolution, I cannot express how excited I am to see more cocktail dresses with sleeves. I’m also really loving this amber color. This sleek gown and wavy hair evoke a Veronica Lake 40′s screen-siren feeling.
Scarlett Johansson, in Elie Saab, with Van Cleef & Arpels jewels.
Photo: Kyle Rover / Startraksphoto.com
While we’re talking sleeves, ScarJo really looked sweet in her angel wing sleeved gown. The color looked so great on her – sophisticated and elegant but didn’t age her or make her look like a little girl playing dress up.
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Hugh Dancy, in Burberry, and Claire Danes, in Calvin Klein Collection, with Fred Leighton jewels.
Photo: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
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Olivia Wilde, in Marchesa, with Tiffany & Co. jewels and Christian Louboutin shoes.
Photo: Jason Merritt / Getty Images
New Year Revolution
res·o·lu·tion /ˌrɛzəˈluʃən/ Show Spelled[rez-uh-loo-shuhn] –noun 1. a formal expression of opinion or intention made.
rev·o·lu·tion /ˌrɛvəˈluʃən/ [rev-uh-loo-shuhn] –noun 1. a sudden, complete or marked change in something.
2010: you can keep that S – I’ll take a V for the Win, 2011.
As the New Year’s Resolution season is nearing – I’m already getting organized with my plans for 2011. They fall into a couple of categories: CULTURE, FASHION, and WORK (for the lack of a better term). The coming year’s changes are less about resolution and more about revolution. The changes at hand are definitely purposeful, and will take a HUGE amount of determination to put into play, and I’m will be unwavering in reaching these goals. The results will be much more than simply expressing an intention – it will be about some serious GTD.
CULTURE: Even though I get to write of those museum memberships, (thank you IRS!!!), I really want to make 2011 the year I actually reap the benefits and rewards of having them. I will read those newsletters and make plans to go to the evening mixers, the openings, and take time to read up on the exhibits and maybe take the audio tours… There’s a lot of art out there in SF and seeing as it was the thing I enjoyed most about the recent trip to London, why not take advantage of my own backyard!
FASHION: I plan to make 2011 the year I take back my wardrobe from the ‘need to wear’ mindset to the ‘can’t wait to rock’ mindset. I’ve worked in an office for more years than I’ll admit – and my goal for 2011 is to get rid of anything purchased ‘for work’ that I don’t absolutely adore. I want to dress each day as if walked out of The Sartorialist or fashioni.st blogs. I will be honing in my personal style.
WORK: I’m leaving my current ‘day job’ and looking for a way to pay the bills where I’m contributing to something I really believe in. For me, this will be about communication, the internet, web 2.0 and all things social. Well, except LBS (location-based Social) I am only barely understanding why I want to share with my bigger associations where I am at any given moment. (Well except in a couple of weeks when I’ll find a way to ‘check in’ at the Snoop concert – Merry xMas me!) I’m working on revamping my résumé, dusting off my confidence and retooling my skills to suit my new profession, where I’ll be involved in some way shaping the online world, leading and contributing to conversations, and doing my part to make web 2.0 as easy and fun for others as it is for me.
When I have nailed these three categories – a life revolution shall be in full effect! Then we can start talking about Sweden.
