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Monday, October 13, 2014

Manic Monday: STLFW VIP Blogger Lounge


Happy Manic Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend - mine was certainly eventful, to say the least! Eventful and RAINY which is why you are getting these outfit pics indoors! Friday night was another Saint Louis Fashion Week (#stlfw) event. A VIP Blogger Lounge soiree at Scape American Bistro located in the Central West End. As the name implies, the event was strictly for bloggers, and all that means to me is extra stress for the outfit planning!

I tried on a couple of iterations of this outfit for Gina while she helped me decide what to wear via text. I knew this skort (originally seen here) was going to make its debut this night, I really just needed to figure out what to wear around it. Similar to my outfit from Thursday's event, I decided to wear one of my moto jackets. This tweed and minus the leather combo felt just right as the finishing piece. I normally don't go all black for evening events, so it was a nice contrast in color to go with the light colored jacket. And this necklace is just my favorite. You've previously seen it here and here. I absolutely love how the jacket camouflages the ribbon ties of the necklace and truly makes it look like it's incorporated in my top. The tweed, the necklace, plus the asymmetrical hem of the skort made for a perfect combination of details that kept me from feeling like this was just like any other black evening outfit. 

(That beagle butt photo bomb would be Annie.)

Necklace: Stella and Dot (option, budget option) | Bag: Chanel (option, budget option)  | Jacket: Express (option, option, option) | Tank: ExpressSkort: Express | Booties: Sam Edelman (option, budget option)

I was ridiculously nervous about this event in particular. This was an exclusive brand-to-blogger event, so we were not allowed to bring any guests - it was strictly invite only. Guys. I am not good at socializing with strangers. Put me in room full of people I know, and I'm completely outgoing and at ease. Put me in a room full of strangers, and I'm awkward and shy. Yes, liquid courage helps, but there's a balance because I didn't want to be sloppy drunk, obviously! Let me tell you though, it was 100% the best time! I managed to introduce myself to a couple of bloggers I had started following, and they turned out to be extremely friendly and easy to talk to. Then somehow as the night kept going, I didn't have trouble staying occupied - if I wasn't at one of the interactive booths, then someone had gotten my attention and captured me in conversation. This is a big deal to me, and I'm not only proud of myself, but I'm also so happy and grateful that the St. Louis blogging community is so welcoming and supportive!

Photo source: Here
With Jennifer from Isaiah Stylez

Photo Source: Here
Back L to R: Kate, Jill, Angie, Jennifer
Front L to R: Elena, Marisa

OK, so what did we do? Well, outside of pure socializing, light bites, and yummy cocktails, there were several brands/shops/vendors set up so you could check out their products, shop, and learn more about their backgrounds. 


My one purchase of the night was this custom Illinois necklace by The Foundrie. Then, they gifted me the adorable "C" charm just for giving them a shout out on Instagram. And yes, this is similar to the necklace I won at the Blogger Awards - I figured I had Texas stuff, Missouri stuff, so I should probably get some Illinois stuff - that is where my current mailing address is anyway!

There were tons of interactive activities - I tried a flash tattoo for the first time thanks to Glik's, which has been all the rage on Instagram. So many free giveaways - Well Dressed MidwestJamberryThe Foundrie, and Suzanne Lay to name a few. But I must say that my most favorite freebie of the night was this live illustration courtesy of the Regional Arts Commission. The artist was Noah MacMillan and I was blown away by his talent. He literally had a waiting list the entire night but kept pumping these out and the quality never diminished - just amazes me!


All in all, definitely a great night. I'm excited to have made some new friends and proud to be a part of such an awesome blogging community. Thanks for letting me share all of my fashion week endeavors with you! The two big runway shows are later this week, so expect a couple of more #stlfw posts to come!


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Linking up for Style to Inspireand Rachelle and Cha Cha for #HowIFall.


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50 comments :

  1. What a great event recap!! I cannot tell you how much I loved your entire outfit. It came together SO WELL. And I'm so glad you had a great time and that the bloggers were friendly and easy to connect with. That illustration though - EEK!! It is seriously amazing. I love that you have an extra special memento like that of your amazing outfit and as a reminder of everything that went into getting to STLFW! It is a huge accomplishment and you should be so proud!
    Gina - On the Daily Express

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    Replies
    1. <3 Thank you so much! This was such a huge deal for me, personally and bloggingly, and the the fact that I survived just gets me more excited for the rest of the week and having these connections now year round!

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  2. I love how this outfit turned out! You styled the skort to perfect and are totally giving me tips about how to winterize mine. I had sort of written it off as a summer piece. This looks like such a fun event! So glad you have gotten to participate it this.

    xo, Amy Ann
    The Real Arnolds

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh this was awesome with tights and the booties! I definitely would not rule it out! You will have to share if you do winterize yours!
      Thanks for the nice note!

      Delete
  3. You look so amazing and I love how you style that skort! It look like you had an amazing time and the illustration of you is super cool!

    Kreyola Jounerys | Instagram

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I adore the illustration! So much fun!

      Delete
  4. Looks like a great time and I love your jacket!
    xo, Lee

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! It's a great piece and I'm glad I got it! I was intimidated by a white jacket, but it finished this look off nicely.

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  5. I love this outfit! You look fab! Such a fun event you got to be a part of!

    Jill
    www.dousedinpink.com

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    Replies
    1. I definitely feel privileged and happy to have been part of this whole fashion week! So far, so good!

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  6. What a fun night! I would have been nervous too. You never know what to expect when you're going to an event alone where you don't know anyone. But it does really help to look good and you looked amazing! Love this outfit, it's edgy and chic and that necklace adds that extra oomph. ~Cynthia

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    Replies
    1. Well that is really sweet - I appreciate that! I was definitely surrounded by some good looking, fashionable people, so the pressure to step up my game was there for sure!

      Delete
  7. Awesome event, you looked perfect as usual and I love this jacket and necklace and bag pretty much everything. This illustration needs to be framed and put it in your closet.

    xo
    PinkSole

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes for sure! A frame is on my list. He did such a great job, I just love it!
      And thank you!

      Delete
  8. Wow Carylee - love this chic, polished and tough all in one look!!!! And thanks for sharing this swanky event with us!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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  9. I actually thought your necklace was embellishment on your top, so haha, you fooled me! :-) What a fun night...I would have been the exact same way with nerves and shyness though! Glad it turned out to be such a great experience! I love the artwork!!!
    Kellie @ www.ie-style.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay for fooling you! That was my intention!
      Glad I'm not alone with the socializing! I was so nervous!!!

      Delete
  10. Your outfit turned out great! The opaque tights really look good with the skort. I also love the necklace and blazer you paired with it. Sounds like you truly enjoyed yourself!

    www.dressed2dnines.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really did - it may have been my favorite event of the whole week!

      Delete
  11. What a fun event! I love that outfit from head to toe. Your necklace is really beautiful!
    http://www.weshopinheels.com

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  12. Looks like such a fun event! I love your Chanel!

    Happy Monday,

    -Deniz
    www.dressedupdeniz.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Could not resist taking her with me this night!

      Delete
  13. That sounds like such an amazing event! I can't wait to get more connected with the blogging community here in SD so that I can attend similar fun events! Totally get why your anxiety about your outfit was so high, but you nailed it! Lovely from head to toe!

    Robyn
    http://feelgreatfashion.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It makes a huge difference knowing I have a pool of local bloggers for support!

      Delete
  14. Love this post! I wish I could have gone! You looked great!
    xo,
    Jacqueline
    stylininstlouis.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I know you mentioned having fall break. Are you able to attend any of the events this week?

      Delete
  15. See I told you, you were going to look great :) Glad to hear you had so much fun, and even more to know that I am not the only one that feels awkwardly uncomfortable at first with a group of all new people, it's so hard sometimes to just take the plunge, but so definitely comforting to know I am not alone.

    Natalia

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    1. It's funny because in theory everyone is in the same boat as me! But I know some of the girls have been to these fashion weeks in the past so some already knew each other. I certainly feel relieved now to have broken the ice!!

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  16. Sounds like a fun event! That illustration is so cool. I'm the same way at events, but thankfully, I've found most other bloggers to be super friendly, and there are usually others there in the same situation looking for a "friend":)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes, that is great that bloggers are genuinely nice in real life! Thankful!

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  17. Your Illinois necklace is super cute!!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  18. That illustration! What a great memento. I am the same way in social situations. Put me in a room with good friends, and you can't shut me up but a room of strangers is so intimidating! I'm glad you had a great time. You looked fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad you can relate! Yes, definitely an awesome night!

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  19. Great choice with the tweed jacket and I love that illustration of you!

    Cha Cha The Fashion Genius

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  20. I'm loving this outfit on you, Carylee, especially your jacket! You look fabulous!


    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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  21. I love this jacket! The bag is amazing too of course!
    poshprime.com
    ~~Megan~~

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  22. Carylee, what a fun and exciting event. I totally hear you when it comes to socializing and you you are more of a shy person when it comes to strangers. It seamed to turn out a great night with great conversation. I do looooooooove your ensemble so much, playing with different textures make it stand out so beautifully.

    ani
    www.fleurani.blogspot.de

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  23. Your hair here- GORGEOUS! :) So glad you had fun!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  24. I love all of the beading on that top. So pretty! And your hair looks AMAZING!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! It's actually a necklace, but I love that it reads like it's part of the top!

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  25. Aren't you just the loveliest thing I ever did see! Gosh, I have GOT to get to more blogger events myself. I'm an introvert, too, so I get it..
    xo,
    Lisa
    www.lisaalamode.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you totally should, and if I can do it, you surely can!
      Thank you!

      Delete
  26. Another Fabulous edgy and sexy outfit. Love the combo of the short skort with the tweed jacket and how that necklace looks like it's part of the camisole. =) You look fantastic and I have enjoyed your Special posts about Fashion/Blogger events and Montreal, lately. Just catching up today actually.

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    1. Glad you have been enjoying these special posts! October has definitely been busy! While it is fun, I am looking forward to getting back to a somewhat normal posting schedule! Thanks!

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