My Insta-Week: 8.6.12

Last week I had a blast prepping and participating in the BlogHer 2012 conference and it's subsequent Style & MC'd Fashion Show. Here's what I got into:

- I met The Lorax! Yes, I'm 4 years old at heart. And yes, I went to see that movie when it came out....without any kids in tow. I love Disney. And I'm so happy I met The Lorax at the BlogHer12 conference. He was quite friendly. Full recap on the BlogHer12 conference coming tomorrow!

- I'm so honored to have participated in the BlogHer Styl'd & MCed Fashion Show, sponsored by 6PM.com and PetSmart. The clothes were absolutely amazing! Special thanks also to Elizabeth Arden for beating my face something serious! And to Paul Mitchell for the amazing hair look (check out my faux bob on the top left). Shoutout to some of my favorite bloggers Cece from The Big Girl Blog, Alissa from Stylish Curves, Claire from The Fashion Bomb, Jenni from ISPyDIY, Erin from Scandalous Beauty, and more for sharing in the fun with me. Had such an awesome time!

Photo Credit: ISpyDIY on Instagram

Pictured above: Me, Alyssa of Stylish Curves, Reagan of Hairdresser on Fire, Claire of The Fashion Bomb, Jenni of ISpyDIY

- I did tons of shopping this weekend. Went to this jewelry market and found that awesome gold bangle trio above. I'm in prep & go mode for my new baby Citizen Jade. I'll be telling you all more about it as the plot develops. In the mean time, Sign Up HERE to be the first to know about it.

- Do you guys like that peach top above center? Saw it at American Apparel and I'm contemplating on whether or not I should go back for it...

I'm On My Naomi Campbell

Ok ignore the ratchetness of this post's title and stay with me here. Guys! I'm going to be walking in a fashion show! The lovely folks at BlogHer have invited me to take my talents to the runway in the form of a sponsored fashion show on this Saturday, August 4th. They are featuring a group of their favorite bloggers and I was chosen. I am ECSTATIC!

Alright before I hyperventilate let me back up for a sec. Before finding out that I would be walking in their Styled & MC'ed show, they actually invited me to speak on an amazing panel for the BlogHer 8th Annual Conference, with moderator Kathryn Finney of The Budget Fashionista. The panel is called Three-dimensional Beauty on a Two-dimensional Screen: Style and Design Bloggers Share Trade Secrets. The panel will be all about how bloggers use words & images to convey lifestyle. If you're an up-and-coming blogger, or even an old head, residing in NYC or close by, you should definitely plan on being there!

So back to the fashion show - I'm beyond excited. I have a fitting this Wednesday and then the actual show is on Saturday. A bit nervous that I might end up as "fashion roadkill" a la Carrie Bradshaw, but I can't wait to share the experience with you guys. And if you're in NYC you should totally stop by and cheer me on! I'll keep you guys posted on the venue & time details.

Remember this episode of Sex & The City? Yeah...

Should I be nervous? You think I'll fall in my heels like Carrie did in Sex & The City?


I'll be watching the following video in preparation. Sashay! Chantay!

Kickin' It: NYFW BlogHer Style Luncheon

On Thursday, February 9th, I was invited by Kathryn Finney of The Budget Fashionista to take part in the very first BlogHer Style Luncheon. Kathryn invited a group of bloggers to take part in an intimate luncheon so that we could network, celebrate the kickoff to NY Fashion Week and also preview The Strand Hotel's newest Fashion as Food menu offering. I had an absolute blast. Here's a brief recap of the festivities:

Upon arriving, we were all greeted with individual place settings and the menu of the day which included The Strand's newest lunch offering; a Food as Fashion Menu. The specialized menu curated by chef Kelvin Fernandez features different courses inspired by fashion icons like Karl Lagerfeld for example. Each course had a special dish and a cocktail to accompany.

I sat next to the lovely Claire Sulmers of The Fashion Bomb. Don't you love her bright purple top? Tres chic. Make sure you guys are checking her site for NYFW content, she's everywhere!

Nikki Ogun of InStyle, Claire Sulmers of TheFashionBomb & Me

Kathryn Finney of The Budget Fashionista, Patrice Yursik of Afrobella

 I was so incredibly happy to be in the company of bloggers like Kathryn of TheBudgetFashionista and Patrice of Afrobella! These are two ladies I look up to and adore. They are the epitome of blogger stars and they always stay true to who they are. Definitely something I strive for.

For the occasion, I chose to don a black dress with leather detailing from Damn You Alexis. One of my hidden gems, they have some amazing classic pieces for curvy girls. Be sure to check them out!

Each guest was gifted an amazing vintage powder compact handpicked by Kathryn herself. Vintage is my fave, so you know I was hyped.

More to come from New York Fashion Week events! Today, I'm live-tweeting for NaturallyCurly.com and they're Texture on the Runway event, so be sure to follow me @LoveBrownSugar and check out www.TextureOnTheRunway.com for live updates!