Nautically Color Blocked

What an experience the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference (IFBcon) was on Wednesday. It was a day full of learning, networking and making new friends. After stressing for a few days on what one should wear to a fashion blogging conference I settled on this outfit because I think it spoke to my aesthetic (this girl loves her stripes) by having elements of old and new. It also had some whimsical, or should I say quirky, elements - and for those that know me well, know that this speaks pretty well to my personality. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit intimidated going into this by myself. One may think that a room full of such fashionable ladies (and gents...but mostly ladies) has the potential for some judge judies (new term but you get where I'm going), but I was delighted to find out that everyone there was very friendly, welcoming and, more than anything, inspiring.

 

The set-up of the conference was four sets of panels. The panels were made up of a mix of established bloggers and industry professionals and each spoke to a specific topic. My favorite panel of the day was the last one - Making your Blog Irresistable. All of the experts had insightful, helpful and encouraging things to say. I think the two main things I took away from the conference were that, although many bloggers have the goal of turning blogging into their career, I don't think I do. Obviously I'm still the new kid on the blogging block so anything can happen, but I think I see this little guy as a hobby and perhaps more of a stepping stone to my career - whatever that may be! It was mentioned a few times throughout the day that a blog is the new resume. Next, I learned that I really need to buckle down and learn how to be a proficient tweeter because Twitter is basically the bloggers way to network in the 21st century.

So I just have to take a brief moment to brag gush about the awesome swag bag attendees received. It was chocked full of ah-may-zing goodies from the sponsors. Zoya nail polish, Glamour magazine, Lifebooker gift card and a Bauble Bar gem, to name just a few. One of the highlights for this bauble hoarder was obviously the piece of jewlery from Bauble Bar. Seeing several different items being opened, it was like Christmas morning opening that shiny black box to see what lay inside for me. I could not be happier with my jewel-toned bracelet. And as if that wasn't enough, they're asking us to tweet them a photo of how we style the piece for a chance to win a gift certificate for even more baubles!

 

I lucked out and sat beside a real sweetheart. She is also a newbie to the blogging world and I think she has just the neatest blog. It's called The Little Things (Check her out! You won't regret it.) and is about how you can transform an outfit (or apartment) with the right accessories (ie. the little things). Cute, right? Anyways, she was of course wearing one of the cooler pieces of jewlery I have ever seen. Something I have never seen before and now want for myself. Her nails weren't half bad either!

blue & white striped blazer {vintage Liz Claiborne via Brooklyn Flea} - birdcage necklace & scrabble ring {Brooklyn Flea} -

gold cuff {thrifted from VV Boutique} - tan ruffle tank {The Gap} - navy blue skirt {Loft} - purple tights {Hue} -

 beige suede wedge booties {Dolce Vita via Century 21} - navy purse {Matt & Nat}

Well, I think that about does it for now. I went away with a few new ideas for this wee little blog here and I'm happy to say that one of them is already in the works. All I'll say is I'm thinking of adding a weekly feature so check back this weekend because I'll have the first edition up. And I'm so excited for it so I hope you will be too!

Thanks IFB, it really was a day to remember!

j.