February 26, 2015

A Look Back at 5 Years on FNYG

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Okay so technically my blogiversary was last week, but with the chaos that is Fashion Week it got lost in the shuffle. I can't believe it's been 5 years since I started this blog. FNYG has allowed me to join in on some amazing opportunities and have met so many wonderful people (in real life and on the web). I'm so proud of what this blog has become and so grateful for all of those who continually stop by to read and comment. So lets take a look back on some of my favorite post, sponsorships, and events.

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1. When I paired up with ARROJO Studios to do a photoshoot for their 10 Year Anniversary (see here and here)
2. The time I was Diet Coke's Blogger Corresponder at the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show (read here).
3. Then there was that time where I got my butt kicked by Under Armour trainer and spokesman Natalie Uhling. (read here)
4. One of my favorite looks ever published on my blog. (see here)
5. During NYFW Fall '14 I got to meet one of my favorite Project Runway contestants/winners ever, Dom Streater (see her collection here)
6. That time I played dress up for the Jazz Age Lawn Party (see here)
7. Getting to work with Intel (read here)
8. Being a guest blogger on Ideeli (read here)
9. Working with Piperlime on their #MomentsofChic Campaign (see here)
10. My first NYFW coverage on FNYG (picture taken at Honor...see here

When I first started this blog I had no idea what I was doing or what I wanted this blog to be. After 5 year of blogging I have learned a thing or two about blogging, myself, and this community of bloggers:

1. There will be critics. I found myself on a website dedicated to blog haters a few years back. I could have let that break me down but instead I used that to fuel my fire. To make this site better, to bring you better content and pictures. Don't let anyone bring you down and make sure you surround yourself with positive people.
2. Know who you are and what your blog is. When I first started I honestly had no idea what I was doing or what this blog was about, outside of it being a "fashion blog." After a year I knew what I wanted this blog to become. somewhere woman of all ages and budgets can gain inspiration. If you start with a mission statement it will help you gain a better idea of how to brand your blog and the type of post you want to create.
3. Don't measure your success based off of others. I know it's hard to do, I would be lieing if I said I never did. There are so many bloggers who have truly made a name for themselves, making money off their blogs, and getting those dream campaigns. Success for everyone is different whether that means landed a sponsorship, going to a fashion show, increasing your traffic or making a new friend in the blogging community. Your success is strictly your own. Be proud of every milestone you set out for yourself and you accomplish.
4. Be kind, be genuine. It's amazing the amount of unkind and ingenue people there are in this world (generally speaking).  At the end of the day people prefer to work with someone who is kind and their unique self. Remember where you started, how far you come, and be grateful for every opportunity that is presented to you.

I'm so deeply grateful to have the love and support from friends, family, and the community I have built here on FNYG. Thank you again to everyone who has ever stopped here to read, taken the time out to comment, and have followed me along this journey from the early days. Thank you to all the amazing brands, designers, and companies who allowed me to work with them and believed in me. Without all of you this blog wouldn't be possible. Please let me know if there are any ideas, post, or features that you would like to see more of or less of. I'm always interested in hearing my readers thoughts. 

PS now you can be the first to know about giveaways, events, and special promotions on FNYG by signing up for our email subscription

February 23, 2015

A Day in a Life of a New York Fashion Blogger After Fashion Week

I've been covering New York Fashion Week for 8 seasons now. After every fashion week I feel the same, blessed but simply exhausted: late nights, early mornings, writing and photo editing whenever I have down time. My life always feels like it's on hold for a week, even when juggling a full time job. Just cause Fashion Week is over it doesn't mean its O-V-E-R. There's still more writing and photo editing to be done, while mixing in my usual blog post. To switch gears from Fashion Week to real life I have to take some me time or...we time in between it all.

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Shirt: Urban Outfitters | Bralette: c/o Aerie | Leggings: Urban Outfitters 

all photos taken by Brian Cavanaugh

Sunday Morning starts with a cup of coffee, magazines and even some kitten snuggles. This helps me recharge my batteries and find some inspiration. Plus, its nice to actually sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee instead drinking it on the go. By noon I'm ready to start my day. I move myself from the couch to a few inches away to my desk where my computer sits. I start my photo editing process and write-ups in comfortably in my PJs. Photo edits comes first as it helps remind me of the shows prior, it's hard to keep track of everything you saw in one week. In between I'm chowing down on lunch and doing loads of laundry. I try to shut down my computer after dinner to relax and spend time with the husband, even if that means enjoying some wine while watching a movie or just catching up on some DVR shows.

It's good to re-charge those batteries weather you're a blogger or not. I know for myself whenever I feel run down or stressed I'll find a lack of inspiration or even motivation for much of anything.

How do you wind down after a busy week?


February 21, 2015

NYFW Fall 2015: Skingraft Goes Peruvian

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all photos taken be me. see more here

When you think Peruvian you probably think bright colors, ponchos, and tribal prints. In Jonny Cota's unique style he some how managed to take the inspiration of young nomads trekking through the Pervuvian mountains and made his own punk style. Skingraft's line is know for leather working and there was no shortage of that this season. Cota's Fall '15 line features lots of leather, shearling, silk wool jersey, cashmere, and hand woven tapestries.

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I love that he took an idea that is usually bright and full of prints, and truly made it his own style. You can see the inspiration of Peru from the ponchos, vest, and scarves in the collection. I'm a huge fan of his leather work, so I was happy to see this collection full of it. The hats on the other hand, were reminiscent of that of Pharrell's...even though I hate to admit it, I sort of love them. There is something about Cota's line that makes me really excited about seeing it, I always get so giddy before his show. He is a designer that has his own vision, knows his clients, and isn't afraid to not follow the trends (there were no colored coats in this collection). Cota is doing his thing and is doing right. With that said I would like to get my hands on a pair of those leather motor pants. Can you imagine that with a Georgine fur jacket? I think I just died thinking about it.

What do you think of Skingraft's Fall 2015 collection?

NYFW Fall 2015: Georgine from Backstage to Runway

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all photos taken by me. see more here. 

Georgine Ratelband might only be 25 years old, but her designs and talent are well beyond her years. When Georgine first showed at NYFW for Fall '14 (seen here) she showed us her craftsmanship with fur, for Fall '15 she does it again...except with lots of colors. This season Georgine found inspiration from Weimar Cabaret in 1920s and 1930s Berlin. She mixed in the romance of 1960 British fashion from designers like Ossie Clarke and Biba. This collection is full of luxurious fur, fancy cashmere and elegant embroidery.

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For the past three seasons we have gotten to know Georgine's woman, and she sure does have the taste for the finer things in life. Her woman has money to spend, but lots of class and sass. I love Georgine's rich sense of style. Georgine, to me, is the Marchesa of the ready-to-wear world. She knows how to make a woman feel luxurious outside of a gown. When Georgine's fur coats walked down the run way you couldn't help but salivate a bit and think "I need one of those." Seriously though, I need one of those. The tails on the coats add a bit of funk and sass to it without making it gimmicky. This collection was styled perfectly with throwback hair and modern style accessories from the sunglasses to the updated fur clutch (which I also need). Georgine is a force to be wreaking with. I have no doubt that lots of woman will be wearing her clothes for Fall '15. Now to start saving money for that fur.

What do you think of Georgine's Fall '15 collection?
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February 20, 2015

What I Wore to Day 4 of NYFW: Leather Joggers

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Coat: William Rast c/o Lord and Taylors | Jacket: Forever21 | Shirt: LF Store | Pants: Paper Heart from LF Store
Sneakers: c/o Puma | Bag: Alexander Wang | Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters | Hat: Topshop | Socks: Urban Outfitters

photos by Brian Cavanaugh

I had intentions of wearing these leather joggers with thick socks and a pair of open-ish shoes. Well, Mother Nature did not play nice, especially over the weekend. It was bitterly cold and we had a few scattered snow flakes, so I decided to go girly sporty by pairing up the leather joggers with my platform Puma sneakers. I put a girly twist to it with my faux fur collar from Free People. These leather joggers are def. going to be in constant rotation in my wardrobe. I'm so glad that I picked them up on sale at the LF Store.

Do you have any winter pieces that are in constant rotation in your closet?

February 19, 2015

NYFW Fall 2015: Jay Godfrey Backstage + Presentation

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all photos taken by me. see more here

Walking around backstage at 9am on a Saturday morning in the tents feels like you skipped hours ahead to midday, with everyone buzzing around highly caffeinated and energetic. "It feels like like it's 3pm," Jay Godfrey says with a laugh after complimenting him on how well put together he looks at the ungodly hour he had to get up. Godfrey was supporting a tailored jacket that matched his feel for his Fall 2015 woman's wear line. As I looked around the bustling room that was lined with fitted dresses and jackets, I knew who his woman was instantly; a luxurious woman who is strong and sensual. For this collection Godfrey was inspired by European tailoring, which can be seen in his tweed jackets, and the 1970s glam of YSL.

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From hanging on a wire to being draped on a model, my heart was set on the halter top floral gown. It's one of those rare pieces that makes an impact whether its being hung or worn. It has sex appeal with the open back and high slit but had an elegance to it with the grey and darker pink toned floral print. This was the flow of the collection, there was a sexiness to these looks without being overtly sexy. From the deep plunging neck line of the jumper to the high split dress pair with a cropped tweed jacket, there was a balance of coverage and skin. Fall '15 is a total 180 from that of Godfrey's Spring '15, where we saw festival glam looks (read here), I love that he can switch gears between collections and revamp his woman a little bit. Even though I'm sure the woman who is wearing the dalmatian print suit in Spring '15 will be rocking the vibrant passion orchid blouse and wide leg trousers in Fall '15. 

What do you think of Jay Godfrey's Fall 2015 collection?
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February 18, 2015

What I Wore to NYFW Day 3: Mon Amour

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Coat: c/o Lulu's | Jacket: American Eagle | Shirt: Kate Spade | Skirt: H&M | Boots: Altuzarra for Target | 
Bag: Alexander Wang | Sunglasses: Urbran Outfitters | Beanie: LF Store

photos by Brian Cavanaugh

It just so happened that Valentines Day was during NYFW this season and I thought I'd dress a little festive, even in the freezing cold. I mean what is more perfect then this Mon Amour shirt from Kate Spade and LF Store veil beanie. I was lucky enough to have a break from fashion week that evening, so I got enjoy dinner out and dessert at home with the husband. He surprised me with a box of my favorite french macarons from Francis Payard, he knows the way to my heart and my stomach.

What did you do for Valentines Day?
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