#IFBcon

gif courtesy of Alex and Ani jewelry

 On Thursday, I went to the IFB Conference (Independent Fashion Bloggers). I was lucky enough to be given tickets from my social commerce professor. I'm struggling a bit to write this post, because I don't want to be negative or ungrateful, but if I'm being totally honest...I was a little disappointed. To be fair, I was only able to go one day and the first day (which I didn't attend) sounded more interesting to me. I also had to leave in the early afternoon, so I was only able to see a handful of speakers. Let me tell you why I left feeling less than excited.

I think I was expecting too much. Or perhaps just more than I got. The thing is, I went to this conference a year ago (remember?!?), when I was all shiny and new in NYC. It was only a one day event then, and since then it has grown to be much more (more days, more bloggers, more sponsors, more everything!). I loved my experience a year ago, I learned many valuable things about fashion blogging and social media, in general. I also loved the panel style, where several bloggers or industry professionals answered questions or commented on certain topics. Unfortunately for me, the panels were on the first day this year. The second day was made up of "workshops", as they were called, with just one or two speakers on a given topic. To me, workshop implies something creative or at the very least, interactive. The speakers had a presentation to give and some seemed more prepared than others. The sessions were all very much geared to bloggers who want to be doing this as their sole career (which is fine, it's just that I don't). I just didn't find myself feeling inspired by a lot of the speakers (or maybe just the topics that were being presented on). On a positive note, and in an effort to draw learning moments out of every situation, I did walk away with a few things. I learned some tips on improving your blog's photography, I have a halfway understanding of what affiliate marketing is and I learned more about the eyewear company, Warby Parker (the highlight for me).

Neil Blumenthal, the CEO and co-founder of Warby Parker gave a short (too short!) talk on how he started the company, the process of market research (use your friends), how he decided on the name (a mash-up of characters' names in a Jack Kerouak novel) and how their first fashion presentation was a "hush mob" in the New York Public Library. For those that have not heard of the online eyewear retailer, you need to check it out! For only $95, you get a complete pair of stylish prescription glasses. AND they donate a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair sold! It's the TOMS of the eyewear world. Anyways, I'm sold and I plan on visiting their showroom in SOHO this weekend to try on frames before I make my order online.

For this presentation alone, the conference was still worth it for me. Maybe if I had been able to attend the full two days, I would have left feeling more inspired. I hope I haven't sounded too negative about the whole thing, but with all of the growth this conference has seen in only a year (including a price tag that is TWICE as much!), I was expecting a little bit more.

Props to the jewelry company, Alex and Ani, however, for having a free photo booth that not only printed out instant photos, but also emailed you a "gif" of the photos you took!

j.

Chambray + Polka Dots

polka-dot chambray shirt {Macy's} - belt {Old Navy} - black maxi skirt {Joe Fresh} - 

tan boots {The Bay} - photo cred {Kiki, as always!}

I finished my first week of classes and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. There were a few classes that, based solely on their titles and heresay, I was not looking forward to. After attending them myself, I am feeling a bit better about them. There are two classes, in particular, that I am most excited about: social commerce and merchandising workshop. In social commerce, we get to learn all about social media and how it applies to businesses. In merch workshop, we basically get to create a brand and take it through all of the steps from inception to right before creation. 

This is a big week for fashion folk in NYC. Of course, it's the start of NYFW and it's also the IFBCon (Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference). I was lucky enough to be given tickets from my social commerce prof, so expect a little recap later on in the week...or next week if we're being realistic.

On a quick note about the above outfit I'm wearing. Is it possible to be wearing too many trends at one time? The answer is probably yes and I am probably guilty. Chambray, polka-dots AND a maxi skirt. Although I don't think I consider maxi skirts as much of a trend as the other two, so maybe I'm safe. What's definitely not safe, however, is wearing a maxi skirt sans leggings in the middle of winter in NYC. Just sayin.

j.   

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.