I attended the Chictopia 10 Conference last weekend, to hear the panels and support Market Publique sellers and buddng designers Corvus Noir during their jewelry presentation.

While I was a little late because I styled a Vargas-style pinup shoot that morning (photos *may* be too racy for the blog...), I did make it in time to hear what Susan, founder of ModCloth, the Botkier marketing team and Naomi Nevitt had to say about working with bloggers. After that, Helen, the founder of Chictopia, and Jess from Polyvore talked about building relationships with advertisers. Very enlightening.

However, my favorite part is always the fashion, so I eagerly awaited the presentations by new designers at the end of the night. Corvus Noir went first, presenting their statement-making line of vintage reconstructed jewelry. Don't you just want to drape yourself in chains and rhinestones right now? You know you do.

We also saw some dapperly dressed cuties from JCheikh, adorable vintage inspired rompers and scallopped detailing via Alexandra Grecco, jewelry from Triskaidekaphobia inspired by underwater sea creatures and tiers of ruffles and bows from Alyssa Nicole.

Here's a few pics of the event. It was quite crowded and a small space, so not very conducive to picture taking, so I apologize for the few pics!

Corvus Noir getting ready for their Chictopia 10 presentation. I'm behind Lauren (in the penguin dress), wearing a turban and tyring to figure out a way to fix the 'dongle situation'.

Craig and Lauren of Corvus Noir present their jewelry line.

Corvus Noir Documentary at Chictopia10 from Corvus Noir on Vimeo.

They also featured me on their video from their presentation! *blush*

After the conference, I went home for a quick wardrobe change and got read to party at the Tribeca Grand Hotel.

At the Chictopia 10 afterparty at the Tribeca Grand. With Lauren of Corvus Noir, Bianca or Cure Thrift Shop, and two visiting ladies from MA, one who works for Artifaktori! Small world, right?

Inspired by Alexandra's mixing up her collection with her grandma's vintage, I decided to wear my own grandma's vintage! (shoutout: Lila, you are such a style icon to me!) I wore a vintage feather headband passed down from my grandma Lila, vintage silver bib necklace also from Lila, Vena Cava dress via Maryam Nassir Zadeh.

If you want your own statement vintage necklace, but your grandma's style does not resemble yours, not to worry. Just pick one of Corvus Noir's one-of-a-kind vintage resconstructed designs and make the statement. Your granddaugther will thank you years from now.

Reworked 1950's Rhinestone And Gold Tone Waterfall Necklace, from Corvus Noir (featured in their Chictopia 10 presentation!)

<!-- end #colPhotos -->

Reworked 1920's Rose Gold Filled Pocket Knife Necklace, from Corvus Noir (featured in their Chictopia 10 presentation!)

Independent Fashion Bloggers hosted a conference on Monday for bloggers to get together and discuss important topics in the arena.

Jennine Tam Jacobs, founder of IFB, did a fantastic job organizing the conference and attracting the cream of the crop in the blogging world. All panels were substantial and informative and I had a terrific time mingling and meeting people and reconnecting with out-of-town colleagues.

Read more about bloggers influencing fashion, the IFB conference & Chictopia 10 conference on WWD.com today!

I spoke athe first panel, along side Corinne of Threadbanger, Erika from Elle.com, Melody of The Crave Company, Nichelle of Stylemom.com, & Shubhankar of G-Star Raw (from left to right).

We talked about how to market yourself in the blogging world, leverage social media, collaborate with companies, make yourself findable and a destination and tons more other useful things. You can watch the panel on vimeo, courtesy of Bobbin Talk.

Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference Evolving Influence - Panel 1 from Bobbin Talk on Vimeo.

More fun pictures, similar to this one, where we are clowning around with Wendy Brandes, will be posted soon!

I was definitely cracking up in this picture!

We're so excited to be part of Independent Fashion Blogger's Evolving Influence Conference during New York Fashion week!

The conference sounds more amazing by the minute, and I'm so excited to see friends and meet new faces.

I'll be speaking at the first panel, Marketing Workshop, along with Elle.com, Threadbanger, Stylemom, The Crave Company and Signature9, but I wouldn't dare miss the rest of the panels — featuring Susie Bubble, Tavi Gevinson, Diane Pernet, Dossier and many more of my faves!

Check out the full list of panels and panelists at IFB.org.

See you all there!

Norma Kamali has always been at the forefront of Fashion, especially when technology is concerned. And this year, when she presented her Spring 2010 collection and iPhone app at the Apple Store in SoHo, she proved it once again.

The designer and self-confessed App-a-holic was interviewed by Omar Wasow about the ways technology is helping push her company forward, despite the economic climate. As mentioned before, Kamali has always used technology in avant-garde ways, much like her designs. In the 80s, she presented her collections and lookbooks using video, and then in the 90s even broadcasted it on the Internet. Her materials have always been technological as well, ranging from parachute silk, to fleece, mesh and stretch materials - perhaps vestiges of influence from her days working for an airline in the 60s.

Now, she comes to us with new ideas and new ways to present them, shop them and even wear them. Kamali has collaborated with mega-retailers Wal-Mart and eBay to bring exclusive collections in an accessible way to consumers around the world. The Walmart collection features pieces around the $20 price-point, many of which are convertible and thus can be worn multiple ways, as well as integrated into existing wardrobes. 

The eBay collection idea sprung from the avid search of collectors rushing to the mega marketplace in search for vintage pieces from the 60s to the 80s as Kamali became more and more collectible. She decided to cater to this consumer and create pieces inspired by her 'Greatest Hits', like the parachute skirts and sleeping bag coats, in an effort to satisfy the demand of her older pieces. Unfortunately, there were no pin-up swimsuits to be seen. The colors were also very neutral: black, white, gray and red. None of the fun bright fleeces from the 80s. Plus, isn't the whole point of buying vintage that it's unique, sustainable and stylish? If it's not unique and sustainable anymore, I don't think the stylish is going to entice those same consumers to push the 'Buy It Now' button.

Her signature collection, OMO, features timeless pieces and the innovative designs that Norma Kamali is known for. It is also now made entirely in the U.S.A. This collection is clearly the cornerstone for what comes next. There are also new and exciting ways to shop the OMO collection, including a program of Try Before You Buy, where they ship the items to your house so you can try them on and see how they fit into your wardrobe. The Kamali staff can help you style the items via Skype, and you can always ask more questions via Twitter. This program has also been extended into Tupperware-style parties, where you can order a few things and invite your friends over so you can all try them on - and give each other honest opinions.

I love Norma Kamali as a designer and innovator, and admire her as a business woman as well. However, I do feel that working with two of the most-hated big companies in the world, Walmart and eBay, who are known for being unethical in their behavior towards their staff and suppliers, sends a confused message to a lot of her fans. We love her because of her ideas and designs, which is why her work has become historically significant and therefore collectible. She knows that the best scenario is when a collection is made locally and sustainably. She uses technology to bridge gaps and cut costs - why then does she also have to associate with mega-companies like these, instead of stand on her own and live up to her OMO philosophy (OMO by the way, comes from On My Own)? It makes me wonder what these mass-produced self-copies of her work are going to do to the value of the truly collectible vintage ones, and worry that her vision is getting blurry in the midst of the economic crisis. 

Norma Kamali presents her collection and iPhone app at the Apple store in SoHo.

Despite the rain, the models wore everything from cozy fleece and striped jersey, to parachute silk and swimwear. All accessorized with clear shoes and umbrellas.

Some of the parachute pieces from the OMO collection.

The models brave the rain in warm fleece pieces from the Norma Kamalebay collection.

The attendees also brave the rain in the open-to-the-public Spring 2010 collection presentation on Greene Street.

Norma  Kamali, wearing a jumpsuit from her OMO line, signature sunglasses and folied nails, talks to Fashion Television.

The official photos from the IFB Dress Up Soirée are up - along with voting for the 'Best Outfit' contest - go on, you know you want to vote!

Photos by Dustin Fenstermacher (except for the one with my shoes in it, which Wendy B took)

What did I wear? Vintage black dress with open back cutout and pockets, rhinestone earrings by Elizabeth Cole, Christian Louboutin multi-strap mary janes and a vintage silver clutch. Vote for my outfit!

The back view of my little vintage black dress. I love the cutout, which has rhinestone encrusted button. You know what I also love? It has POCKETS!

The accessories: Rhinestone fish skeleton earrings by Elizabeth Cole.

These remind me of the Heathcliff cartoons... I love how big and fun they are!

The shoes: Multi-strap platform mary janes by Christian Louboutin.

Here you can see a little more of my outfit, as well as other fabulous blogger's outfits:

With Yuli Ziv, of My It Things and Style Coalition

Here, Nichelle of Stylemom joins us for the photo.

With Crosby Norricks of PR Couture, and the fabulous and fun Trish and Mo of Smashing Darling.

My favorite outfits?

Our host and the event's organizer, Jennine, founder of IFB and The Coveted, wore vintage from Market Publique!

She wears:

Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier silk cutout tunic and vintage beret from the Market Publique House Store.

Vintage deadstock bracelets by Erica Weiner via the Market Publique Pop-Up Store

Jacket and leggings, TopShop.

I loved Wendy Brandes full-length Leopard dress, complete with faux pony tail, fringe bag, and story.

Apparently, so did everyone else, as you would receive beads as 'votes' for your outfit during the party!

Tuesday night I went back to B.East for more Fashion Week fun at the Chictopia / Six Six Sick party sponsored by Forever 21. I wouldn't have missed it, as I won a bike on Chictopia and had to say a proper thank you, but it was not an easy day for me.

The day started with some recovery from bubbly and nachos debauchery after the IFB party. The recovery included a ying & yang brunch of green veggie juice (cucumbers, kale, green apples & ginger) and a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on a roll, both courtesy of Kasia's. Then off to the office it was, to interview some interns for Market Publique: we have some excellent contenders! More on that soon...

Then I packed a bunch of our Fall vintage items, and headed to the Pop-Up Vintage Trunk Show, hosted by Meghann of Thrifty Fashionista, where we were selling our wares (sad I missed seeing Wendy again!) Somehow, in the process of digging through piles of vintage, I lost my keys so I had to go rendez-vous with the hubby to make sure I could get back into my house.

This included going to the Next NY Shake Shack extravaganza, then dinner with a certain member of the NY State Senate. It was really great to get a rest from all the fashion stuff and get a chance to have a meal with the hubby. But then again, breaks from fashion are painful, and the Chictopia party awaited. My secret spy tweeted me with updates as I headed over...

Needless to say, I didn't get a chance to change and wear the fabulous outfit I had planned, being locked out and busy and all. Instead, I wore what I had been wearing all day, which honestly was not so bad. I wore: a vintage jungle print Diane von Furstenberg silk blouse that I got from Cure Thrift at the Market Publique Pop-Up Shop, black skirt by Quail, vintage red Garolini bow peeptoe slingbacks and my Valentino Histoire bag (which I think it's too fancy but now feel Iike I have to wear a lot so as to not feel guilty...).

I didn't stay long, but did join up with Liz, Jennine, Jeanne, Mel and Nikki. Plus I finally met Susie and had a chance to talk to Helen from Chictopia, Jess from Polyvore, and Phil from Streetpeeper. Awesome! We later went to dinner in the LES with Jennine, Jeanne and Liz to decompress and chat a bit more quietly. Fun times!

Susie Bubble, with Jennine from The Coveted. Thank you for the intro to Susie Jennine! I was so glad to meet Susie and thank her in person for being the FIRST BLOGGER ever to feature Market Publique - even before we launched! Thanks Susie! Photo via Lizzie Jeanne.

Nikki and Jeanne strike a pose.

Helen from Chictopia, Jess from Polyvore. Photo via Idée Geniale Mel looked adorable in leather and slk, and the YSL earrings from Erica Weiner she got at our Pop Up Shop. You can see her outfit more here, and below:

Mel, of Idée Geniale, looked adorable in leather and slk, and the YSL earrings from Erica Weiner she got at our Pop Up Shop. You can see her outfit more here, Here she is flanked by Lucrecia from Fashion is Poison and Camille from Childhood Flames. Photo via Idée Geniale.

Jennine and me, laughing it up, probably at how wimpy my camera looks next to hers.

The IFB Dress Up Soirée was the funnest ever! I know funnest is not a real word, but I think it should be, so there. I knew the party was going to be a blast, judging from the last one, but it really did exceed my expectations.

It was jam-packed with bloggers galore, including most of my favorites! I met so many fabulous people and saw so many fabulous outfits. 

I was a little late, and ran out without my camera, so I have grabbed the photos from other bloggers, which I will credit, of course. Pardon me for the lack of original photos! Also, my lateness prevented me from getting a good spot for the panel, so I barely heard most of it, and therefore I will not report on it. Next time, I plan to sleep in my outfit the night before so I am realy at all times.

The party was PACKED. There was a line around the block when I showed up, but I found Nikki and Mel and we waited in line together makeing the time fly by. There was no space upstairs to listen to the panel anymore, so I was downstairs attempting to hear and hanging out with Charissa of Purple Bliss (that's us in the corner...). Photo via Thumbelina

Closeup of Charissa's and my outfits - plus Jen! I wore a vintage 80s black dress with an open back and pockets, Rhinestone fish skeleton earrings by Elizabeth Cole, vintage silver clutch and black multi-strap mary janes by Christian Louboutin. Photo via Purple Bliss.

Hanging out with Wendy B, who is wearing her meow dress and a faux-ny tail. You can see the back of my dress and my earrings a little better in this picture. Photo via Wendy B.

Here's Jennine leading the panel that I was barely able to hear from downstairs... I hear there's a video of this, so maybe I can catch up!

You can also see panelists Susie Bubble and Geri of Because I'm Addicted, and Jordana from Clutch 22. Photo via Dream Sequins.

We all know Jennine is awesome, but I would like to ennumerate just a few reasons in this post:

1. She founded IFB

2. She made this party happen, and thus brought all of us together IRL.

3. She decided to wear vintage from Market Publique to the Dress Up Soirée.

Jennine came to our FNO Pop-Up Shop and fell in love with the vintage red and black Jean Paul Gaultier silk tunic she is wearing (it has cutouts at the hem!), the little red vintage beret, and multiple vintage deadstock bracelets from Erica Weiner. She added how own jacket, leggings and shoes and we loved the look! Thank you for wearing Market Publique Jennine!!

You can see more of Jennine's outfit here, with Wendy and Gilda of Queen Gilda. Photo via Wendy B.

Posing with Brooke of Fashism. Photo via Lizzie Jeanne.

I didn't run into Kelly of The Glamourai while there, but I did see this photo on Thumbelina and was glad to see the dress she bought when we went shopping at Beacon's Closet with Jessica a few weeks ago - it rocks!

After the party was winding down, we stepped outside to plan our next move and Wendy took a picture of my shoes - thanks Wendy! Now I get to keep the shoes forever! YAY!

We decided to start an after party a couple blocks up at White Star. Loved hanging out with all the fabulous ladies who came, including Alix of Alix Rose, Sara Anissipour, Jennine, Jordana and more.

It was a lot of fun! So much so, that Wendy and I decided we deserved nachos at 2 a.m. so we headed to the hat* San Loco and shared some crispy chips, favorite vintage designers, and random thoughts about 14-year-old fashion bloggers (among other things).

*The hat was closed. Too bad, because they have to-go Margaritas!

Jennine from The Coveted snaps a picture of the Francis studio.

Last friday, Wendy invited a group of fabulous bloggers to take a peek into Francis by Christian Francis Roth's Spring 2010 line.

It was quite a treat to be inside the designer's studio and see how the magic happens. It's even more of a treat, and pretty rare, to have the designer explain to us the collection, piece by piece.

I was very impressed by the quality of the designs and the intricate construction, especially for the price point of Francis' new line. The Spring collection is inpired by the dioramas at the Museum of Natural History. He imagined how the Museum might explain three types of stylish New York girls, that he explained (descriptions from the Francis Blog):

• The Wild Sugartooth (cravus sucrosius) is an upbeat, social creature who displays lively colors and a bright smile. A springtime stroll past Dylan’s Candy Bar, Magnolia Bakery or Pinkberry is often rewarded by the sight of this species, which appears to enjoy nothing more than eating a sweet snack and wearing a pretty dress on a sunny day. (A subspecies of the Sugartooth can be found clad in gym clothes near the Cadbury Dairy Milk bars in supermarket aisles.)
• The Eastern Gameling (brainius cumulonimbus) is a gifted and talented breed with a natural immunity to gloomy weather. While some may nap the rainy day away, the Eastern Gameling seizes the opportunity and invites her flock over for an afternoon of fun and games. But even while she’s perched in her apartment alone, she finds stimulation in the bright colors and bold graphic prints that fill her closet.
• The cheerful Meadowspringer (novella picnicana) can be found in Central Park, frolicking around freshly mowed grasses or engaged in animated conversation around a picnic blanket. Well adapted to the landscape of fields and parks where she spends her free time, the Meadowspringer is as colorful as a flower shop and as melodious as an outdoor concert.

I definitely gravitated toward the Sugartooth collection, probably because all the dresses lined up on the rack with super acid-bright colors reminded me of Pixie Stix. And well, because out of all those ladies, I would probably be sugar-crazed one!

Here's a few of my favorite pieces:

Francis shows us a tiered dress in silk, with the frech seams outside! Genius! This cutie from the Gameling collection.

Just in: the custom-designed lite brite fabric. Can't wait to see what this becomes! Love the prints and super-bright colors? That's because Francis has his fabrics custom designed and custom dyed.

There's tons of pictures on this post, so click Read More to see them all!!

It's a busy time here in New York, with Fashion Week right around the corner. Here's some of the events I'll be attending. I hope you can join me! If you're coming to any of these events, leave a comment so we can meet in person!!

Wednesday, September 9th

As a long time member of Fashion 2.0, I wouldn't miss this for the world! I was there at the very first Meetup with the rest of the Market Publique gang. This is a closed event, but if you've attended the meetup before, you may want to email the organizer to snag an invite...

Thursday, Sept 10

I'll be at the Market Publique Pop-Up Shop, of course! Come say hi, drink some bubbly, toast to my birthday (it's also Anthony's birthday on Friday!) and get first dibs on our Fall vintage collection... what more could you want?

Come shop for your Fashion Week party outfits and rest assured with the knowledge that with that one-of-a-kind vintage piece, no one else will show up wearing the same thing as you - sigh of relief!

Friday, September 11

The fabulous Wendy B. is giving us a peek into the Francis Fall Collection. Then we're having dinner and sangria during the Fashion's Night Out After party with these fabulous bloggers!

Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13

I'll be attending and presenting at Fashion Camp NY, at NYU's ITP.

This is the first Fashion Camp ever, and it follows the barcamp example: It's a conference where anyone who wants to attend can also present their ideas, do a demo or lead a workshop! It's a great way to meet people that work in the industry and get the word out about your product.

My hubby Jon helped organize it! Come show your support! I know Makerbot, Polyvore, Fashism, Brooklyn Fashion Festival, and tons of other cool people will be there.

Tickets are free, but limited, so get yours now: http://rsvp.fashioncamp.org

I'll be presenting about how to incorporate vintage into your wardrobe. Any other bloggers / designers / fashionistas who want to present, feel free to post your idea here: http://ideas.fashioncamp.org

Monday, September 14

The last IFB party, for which they featured our models decked out in vintage, was loads of fun, so I wouldn't miss it for the world!

More info about the Independent Fashion Bloggers Party here.

Plus, one of our favorite websites, Fashism, is having a launch party! Definitely a busy night!

If you haven't checked out Fashism, make sure to get our special advanced access code here.

Tuesday, September 15

Pop-Up Vintage Sale, hosted by Thrifty Fashionista

They'll have select vintage pieces from the Market Publique collection! Stop by and get the perfect outfit for the rest of the Fashion Week parties!

And last but not least, I'm going to the Chictopia Fall Fashion Week Gala, hosted by Chictopia and te 66Sick Girls, and sponsored by Forever 21... Maybe they'll just let me sleep over at B.East? hehehe.

You can RSVP to the Chictopia party here (space is limited).