IFB Dress Up Soiree – NYC: Contest Begins
My first night in New York was spent at a fabulous event hosted by Jennine on behalf of Independent Fashion Bloggers. To make the night more interesting, there was a little friendly competition lurking in the atmosphere as photographer Dustin Fenstermacher circulated the room to capture style photos of the guests. The candids have been posted on Modepass and the “Dress Up” contest is now live.
I desperately want to win the Vivienne Tam HP mini notebook (my laptop has been giving me a world of trouble) and would love your help. You can vote here by clicking the plus sign on the bottom right. Here are some photos of my look:
I didn’t get a good shot of the full look, but thanks to Beka of reLYME, I was able to create the collage above.
Choosing the outfit…
In effort to find something original, I scoured tons of Etsy stores before hitting the jackpot with a piece from Portland designer, Holly Stalder. Not only did it feel great to find a one-of-a-kind dress, but it was also cool to represent the Northwest. The dress cost $155, which was a small price to pay considering my obsession with it. To make it more winter-appropriate, I added black accents and accessories.
It was so much fun getting to meet other bloggers in person for the first time. I’ve been following The Coveted (Jennine), Wendy Brandes Jewelry and Fasshonaburu (Vyque was my first blogger friend; just met Alyssa and Catherine who also contribute) since before I started Clutch22. I also made some lovely new friends. 
Above from left: Jennine, Alyssa, Wendy, Vyque, Catherine, Natanya
Above: The stylish gents from Fine and Dandy
Above: View from up stairs
Above: Vyque’s fab backwards Marc Jacobs pumps
Above: Major jewelry envy – all by the talented Wendy (several of us are determined she will be designing our wedding rings…can someone tell Jordan?)
Check out the rest of the photos from the night here!
Oh that was YOU in that gorgeous dress, pic took my breathe away when I saw it on Coveted.
Got your package today – thanks so much!!! I love the pieces – wow.
Eyeliah – oh, wow! Thanks for the flattery! The dress was such a lucky find.
Holly is so talented. Glad you got the package finally!
I love the post! Finally something interesting to complete my day at work!! Looks like you had a great time. Can’t wait to hear even more about it!
You are one of the most adorable girls on the planet! Come back to NYC again soon! I have those outfit shots from Vivienne Tam for you. What’s the best email address to send them?
Yay! It was so cool to meet you. I had a blast at that party. You’re dress was totally gorgeous. We def have to hang out next fashion week!
You looked amazing in that dress!
OMG! that dress is to die for!!!
BTW, I received the prizes already, thank you very much!!!
I love ‘em!!!!!
Linds – Thank you for always being so supportive. I’m glad I can be a geek with you about my blogging adventures.
Beka – You are an absolute doll, not to mention quite the photog! I just saw the email with the pics, thanks again!
Alyssa – So great meeting you too! Can’t wait to see you next time!
WendyB – I was obsessed with your vintage jumpsuit! I showed pics of it to some girls tonight at an event!
Anne – Thanks so much, sweets! Glad the package made it to you.
Thanks for the comment!
Btw.. I didn’t know IFB was throwing a get together last Monday. Boo. I would’ve went too. Maybe next time.
Oh yes, your outfit is divine! I love the first pic especially! You look extremely lovely & eloquent <3.
We need to meet up again before Sep, come to DC!
Wow, that dress is stunning! You’ve got my vote x
Jei – Thanks so much! I’ll keep you posted on the next one!
Vyque – I’ve never been to DC and it’s definitely a possibility! You should come to Seattle too!
Frankie – Swell Vintage – Thanks so much for your vote!
hey you, it was good meeting you at the ifb meet! i’m glad we got to talk a little. i’ve disappeared from the online world for a little while, while i got busy with school and trying to start my own little fashion brand. it’s hard work!
hope to see more of you soon. i had a great time the other night and it was a pity i couldn’t stay longer. we need to do bi-annual meet ups!
It was such a treat to finally meet you! Your dress is stunning, you have such a strong fashion sensibility. The pictures are great but I wish you were in the group shot with us
Hope you enjoyed our fabulous little city!
this dress is amazing. it funny i saw the pics on IFB and wanted to know whose dress this was : )
I am WOW. You are so very pretty and the dress is perfection. Worth every single moment spent searching for it and every penny.
Your dress is lovely, and looks like a really fun bloggers night!
xx-LJ from SOS!
Thanks for the link…you look amazing, I ADORE that dress!
That dress is gorgeous. Classic but modern and showing just enough flesh. Great choice.
Gilda – We should definitely do the meet-ups more often! You were so cute at the event! Keep doing what you’re doing with design and keep blogging – it gives you a cool advantage!
Natanya – No worries about the pic, I was happy to play photographer.
So glad we finally met too and I’ll definitely be back to your “little” city as soon as I can!
Lindsey – Thanks doll! How flattering!
Najeema – Yes, definitely worth it and such a lucky find! Thanks so much!
LJ (from SOS!) – It was so much fun! Hopefully you can make it to the next one!
The Style PA – Thanks so much!
You look gorgeous, I voted for you!
Wow, those backwards pumps are crazy. I’ve never seen anything like that- how fun!
eye4style – thanks so much girl! I reallllly want the VT HP, but we’ll see what happens. Any luck getting one of your own?
Aimee – I know, huh? Vyque totally rocked them!
That is a lovely lovely dress – totally unique, yet the ruffles are totally “on trend” -it’s a real find!