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Monday, September 29, 2014

Manic Monday: THANK YOU


You guys!! All that pestering you to vote for me paid off! More Pieces of Me won the People's Choice Award for "Best Use of Social Media" at the St. Louis Fashion Week Blogger Awards Friday night!!! I can't take credit for this because this award is representative of all of your support and voting! And putting up with me! Especially the husband who not only photographs me, but reads this blog every day and was happier for me to win than I was myself! I'm so grateful, and it's silly, but this award validates my hobby, makes me feel more connected to the city of St. Louis, and basically just makes me feel like I've got my big girl pants on.

I've never been surrounded by so many trendy, well dressed people before! Luckily, I was very comfortable with my outfit choice. Definitely took some polling of my inner circle Thursday night, but ultimately, I ended up with this Bailey 44 dress - my go to brand for fun and unique dresses! Accessories were minimal - just chose my Stella and Dot basics. And I opted for a satchel verses more of a evening bag because I didn't want to have to lug around my camera on my neck or shoulder.

This is my "Hmm, I'm surrounded by fashion bloggers and don't have to feel awkward about taking photos" realization face.

Necklace: Stella and Dot | Bag: Kate Spade (option, budget option) | Dress: Bailey 44 (option, option)   | Bracelet: Stella and DotRing: Stella and Dot | Shoes: Pedro Garcia (option, option)

The night itself was pretty amazing! This was my first ever fashion event, so it was all so fascinating to me. The venue just opened to the public a couple of weeks ago - it's an open air pavilion called the Public Media Commons. Such a great space - it was awesome to see a sexier side of St. Louis, in more ways than one! 

The night wasn't just about the blogger awards, it served as the official kickoff party to St. Louis Fashion Week. There were a handful of popup shops - Shirt Kong, August Abroad, The Clover. And you know shopping is better when accompanied by some adult beverages, so I was sipping on some Pinnacle Cranapple Vodka while the husband enjoyed some Peroni Italian Lager. I also probably ate my weight in hummus but it was just so good! (Yes, there were other small bites, but I'm just a big hummus fan!) Before the awards, there was a still-fashion show of Grace Kubilius' collection --- loved this! And then after the awards, we were really able to appreciate the venue's technology with a couple of video presentations.


One of the two video walls at the Public Media Commons

Grace Kubilius Still-model fashion presentation (2 of 2)

Photos from Instagram
Clockwise from top left: 1- Tess Boyer (from The Voice!) stopping me to ask where I got my dress! How freaking cool is that?! | 2- Post award (and meeting Tess) pic | 3- Posing with a couple of the event workers with one of the many St. Louis birthday cakes sprinkled around the City | 4- Grace Kubilius Still-model fashion presentation (1 of 2)


As they kicked off the awards presentation, the folks at Alive Magazine talked about how important bloggers are to #STLFW because we act as the voice for all of the designers, and they recognized how much time and effort goes into blogging. I love that they view blogging through a different lens -- as something that is invaluable verses superficial and a waste of time-- and the awards are meant to celebrate this. When I heard my blog name called, my first two thoughts were - don't drop your drink, and don't trip on the step in front of you. True story. 


I keep getting asked, "What do/did you win?" We ended up getting a printed award along with an August Abroad necklace with a Missouri charm that is hand-stamped with the hashtag #stlfwba. I really wasn't expecting anything other than the confidence boost, so this was an adorable surprise. I honestly had no gauge for how I was doing in terms of votes, and seeing my competition made me feel even more grateful for just being nominated. But I WON, and it was truly hard not to ugly cry. I was *that* happy. Later this week I am going to hit my 500th post! 500! I'd say this award makes the milestone that much more sweeter. 

I truly can't thank you enough.


SHOP THE LOOK:

Linking up for Style to InspireMix it Monday, Personal Style Monday, and Rachelle and Cha Cha for #HowIFall.


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84 comments :

  1. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You most definitely deserve it and you are ROCKIN' that dress! Love it, absolutely stunning!

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    1. Thanks so much, girl! I was so nervous about everything!!!

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  2. Congratulations!!! Now share your secret ;-)

    Alex - Funky Jungle

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    1. Aww - you guys are my special secret! Couldn't' do it without your engagement!!!

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  3. Aww, that's so exciting! Congrats on winning! Looks like you had fun at the event too :)

    Away From The Blue

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  4. Congrats on your award! I love this dress. You look stunning!

    http://www.kathrineeldridge1.wordpress.com

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  5. Congrats, love!! Definitely well deserved!! You looked stunning btw! I absolutely love that dress!

    xo, Erica
    Casually Styled

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  6. So glad you won, you deserve it and I adore that dress. Fashion events are always fun.

    xo
    PinkSole

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    1. I can't believe I've never been to another fashion event! It was so much fun! And great people watching, too!

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  7. Congrats on your win!! I am SO so proud of you. Loved reading the event recap but sorry to hear you are feeling more connected to St Louis since you will be leaving it soon to move here. ;-) That's great that they viewed bloggers as something more than just self-indulgent wannabes, and I love your caption on your photo about being able to take pics of yourself without worry since you are surrounded by bloggers. LOL <3
    Gina - On the Daily Express

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    1. Hehe - glad you enjoyed the caption! And yes! For the first time I actually felt PROUD to blog vs. embarrassed and silly. It's nice to be surrounded by others that do respect what you do.
      If I move though, I need to be able to come back for baseball games! :)

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  8. Congratulations!!!! That's so exciting!! And I LOVE your dress! So adorable!

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    1. Thanks so much! I was so happy to have it on hand. This really was the perfect occasion for it!

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  9. So happy for you, what an accomplishment, congratulations!!!! It's always nice to hear that us fashion bloggers are appreciated. This dress is fabulous! Obsessed with it, you look stunning.

    xo, Jasmin

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    1. Thanks, Jasmin! It's the one occasion where I can legit feel proud to be a blogger. Kinda sad that I can't/don't feel that way all the time-- but I need to!!

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  10. Congratulations! This is AMAZING! Love your dress and that handbag is absolutely stunning!
    Red Reticule

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  11. OMG congratulations and more power to you Carylee....you deserve the award more than anyone else! And how stunning do you look in that dress????

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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  12. Super big CONGRATS to you!!! So exciting and I'm so happy for you! I like what you said about the validation of your hobby - you're right, it's sometimes hard to not to feel like we blog for superficial reasons, when truly I don't think that's the basis behind any of us starting this adventure. Anyway, super big hug to you!! :-)
    Kellie @ www.ie-style.com

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    1. Thank you so much! I know we have already had this combo about only bloggers being able to relate to what we do! It's fun and such a great community to be a part of! Always appreciate your support!!

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  13. Congrats!! So exciting!! I love your gray dress! It looks so great on you! Happy Monday!

    www.madeintheshadeblog.com

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    1. Thanks, girl! Have a great week! I really loved the dress!

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  14. Congrats! You deserve it! You picked the perfect dress to wear to the event! You look gorgeous!

    Jill
    dousedinpink.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! I appreciate that! And all of your support!!

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  15. Congratulations! A well deserved award for a great blog! Love that dress! You totally represented.

    xo, Amy Ann
    The Real Arnolds

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  16. I'm so happy for you!! Congrats Carylee!!! You deserved it!

    Kreyola Jounerys

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  17. Aww, you so deserved this award. Congrats again! You looked perfect for the event. Luuuuv that dress on you. ~Cynthia

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  18. You are welcome honey. You so deserve it. What a great award and what a great dress this is on you. You look beautiful. Sounds like an awesome, fashionable event too. Fun pictures.

    Thanks for hosting also. Always a pleasure linking up with you & Gina. =)

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    1. Thank you, Ada! I felt very comfy in this dress and thought it was perfect for the occasion! That's always a good feeling!
      Thanks again!

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  19. Yay! Congrats lady! Love the dress :)

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  20. Congratulations my dear.. You totally deserve it!! So happy for you!!

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  21. Eeek! Congrats! And of course you looked absolutely fabulous accepting your award :)

    xoxo jenna @ sincerely jenna marie
    PS- I'd love for you to stop by on Thursdays to link up!

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  22. Awesome! Congrats on the win, you rock! Love that dress.
    Tiffany
    www.stylestealsandstilettos.com

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  23. Congrats on your very well deserved WIN! So exciting and you looked so cute in your dress!
    xo,
    Monica
    GlamVolution.blogspot.com

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  24. Yay!! Congrats, you totally deserve it and looked absolutely beautiful!

    Brooke
    www.pumpsandpushups.com

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  25. Congrats to you! You look amazing in that dress!
    xo Adri
    www.adrilately.blogspot.com

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  26. Congratulations Carylee! Beautiful outfit too!

    http://www.avecamber.blogspot.com
    http://www.bloglovin.com/avecamber

    I hope you are having a great week so far!

    Amber

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  27. Congrats Carylee! Love your dress and shoes, you look stunning in this outfit, great look!
    Nora
    www.jacketsociety.com

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  28. Congratulations girl! It looks like it was such a great night! That dress is amaze and it's not surprising that you were stopped to be asked where you got it! Such a great post!
    xo
    Marianne
    www.goodgirlgoneglam.com

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    Replies
    1. Aww thank you so much! Still so excited about the whole thing and glad I had this dress to celebrate in!

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  29. Well deserved and congrats! That dress is amazing. The whole look is spectacular.

    Lea
    HighHeeledStyle.com

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  30. Congrats to you! That is AWESOME! I love your dress and bag!

    ~Whitney
    www.whitneynicjames.com

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  31. Congrats girl! You so deserve it with your cute outfits, professional layout and style :)

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  32. How stinkin' awesome! You totally deserve it!! Congrats, Carylee!!

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  33. You looked amazing, that is an awesome dress, and Congrats on this award, super deserved.

    Natalia

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    1. Thank you SO much! Seriously! I was so happy to realize I still had this hanging in my closet! It's a great piece!

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  34. This is so cool! Thanks for sharing your experiences, I live vicariously through you~
    I don't watch much TV but I happen to love the Voice and totally remember Tess from last season. So awesome!

    Gina
    Pink Wings

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    1. yay! Glad you can appreciate her with me! I was floored!! She was so so sweet!

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  35. Congratulations on your win, that is awesome recognition! I want to be like you when I grow up in this fashion blogging world :) Truly inspirational. Keep up the good work.


    www.dressed2dnines.com

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    1. OMG what a big compliment! You are fabulous yourself!!

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  36. I am so freaking excited for you!!! Congratulations, that is fantastic news on your award! And you looked absolutely amazing too, go you! Xxx

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  37. Ahhhhh! Congratulations!!! Those kinds of things are such great reassurances. Love your dress choice and the minimal styling... Cheers to your achievement!

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    1. Yes, great reassurance indeed! Makes me proud of my little hobby!

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  38. Congrats, Carylee! So happy for you. And also absolutely loving your dress! So elegant and sophisticated!

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    1. Thank you very much!! It's so unique and funky! I loved it!

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  39. Congrats, lady! That's fabulous!

    Meagan

    www.meagansmoda.com

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  40. Good for you, Carylee! It looks like you had a great time and that's so sweet that your husband was just as excited. You made a great choice with this dress.

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    1. Thanks, Tracy! I'm still a bit excited about the whole thing! Such a great week last week!!

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  41. It really didn't need anything at all!

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  42. So excited that you won! And you chose the perfect outfit for the event - love the dress, shoes and bag - no wonder all the celebs wanted to know where you got your stuff LOL <3

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  43. beautiful dress! love it!

    Irene
    www.thedailylace.com

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  44. Congrats, babe! That's so exciting! :)

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

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    1. I'm still pretty smiley about the whole thing!
      Thank you!

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