Hello Monday! We’re suffering from a bit of a birthday-hangover this morning, but had so much fun celebrating Mr. SP with friends and family this weekend. I think it’ll be a few days before I recover from the high levels of sugar! Maybe having leftover cake for breakfast wasn’t the best way to get started. I knew I should have polished it off last night!! 😉
I recently had the privilege of attending Better Homes & Gardens’ 4th annual Stylemaker Event, held in New York City. It’s an exciting day-long workshop that brings together home, food, fashion, and lifestyle bloggers from around the country, to share with each other, and learn from the BHG editors and top stylists.
It was a whirlwind day, with loads of helpful information and creative ideas flying. I love these blogger events (this one was especially top-notch), but for me, they are a mix of being motivated, and also feeling overwhelmed. There are so many things pertaining to blogging that I don’t know, and certainly don’t do!
But before the ugly self-doubt starts to creep in, I remind myself that I blog because I want to…because I love it. Sure the blog provides some added income for my family, but it’s not essential to our livelihood. I do this because I love creating, writing, and connecting with people. And events like these are icing on the cake!
Ogling with Eddie Ross over his new book, Modern Mix.
Actually, I think he’s ogling the book, and I’m ogling him.
Actually, I think he’s ogling the book, and I’m ogling him.
There were a lot of cheers and hugging over breakfast, as we greeted old friends, and met others we’d ‘known’ online for years. Then we spent the day in hands-on sessions about food & table styling, flower arranging, and social media, along with informative panel discussions and Q&As with top editors, stylists, and authors. #whew!
There were kind, talented, beautiful women everywhere you looked.
You know you’re with bloggers when phones come flying out every five minutes. The funny thing is, some of my most online socially-disconnected times, are when I’m at these things?! For some reason, my phone stays tucked away most of the time.
I spy my pink shoe!
Then it was a quick-change, and up to the rooftop for a sunset cocktail party with the BHG September cover model, Brooke Shields!
Brooke, and her brows, are stunning in person. Stephen Orr is the new BHG editor-in-chief, and could not be nicer, or more full of personality. It’s going to be fun watching the magazine flourish and grow with him and their stellar team. #notyourmothersBHG
Brooke & Stephen
Mallory (I wonder what we were talking about so intently?)
And more importantly, why are my mother’s hands on my body?!
And more importantly, why are my mother’s hands on my body?!
Megan (My partner-in-crime & forever roomie.)
It was a perfect day spent laughing and learning with good friends, making new ones, and meeting those I’ve admired for years. Mr. Eddie Ross is as funny and charming as you’d hope him to be, and so generous with his knowledge and talents. His new book, Modern Mix, is a coffee table staple!
We watched the sun set over magical New York City, then headed out to celebrate Gwen‘s birthday over tacos and margaritas. #isthereanyotherwaytocelebrate?
I was honored to be included amongst the small group of talented bloggers, most of whom I’ve been following for years. I know it’s because of you…my darling, clever, generous readers…and your enthusiastic support of this little blog, that makes these opportunities possible. I can’t thank you enough.
Gingham Shirt | Floral Skirt (similar) | Cage Heels (similar)
Pearl Cluster Necklace | Laptop Bag c/o
And a huge thank you to Better Homes & Gardens for including me in this spectacular event!
If you’re interested in details learned from the classes and panels, head over to Megan’s recap…she took much better notes than I did! 😉 And just in case you’re wondering, here’s what I wore that day and night.
{Day Style}
Gingham Shirt | Floral Skirt (similar) | Cage Heels (similar)
Pearl Cluster Necklace | Laptop Bag c/o
Isn’t that the most stylish laptop bag you’ve ever seen?! And hello, monogrammed, too! It’s padded and sturdy, but not bulky…so it fits right in my tote bag with the rest of my daily purse stuffs. Search ‘Buchanan’ on their site to see over 100 patterns available. And lucky ducks…use code SUGARPLUM10 for 10% off your entire order!
Laptop Bag (see all the pattern options under ‘Buchanan’)
{Night Style}
It’s easy to get twisted-up in deciding what to wear to stylish events…my strategy is to pick the outfit I feel most comfortable, confident, and most importantly, myself in…regardless of the trends. I’ve owned that floral pencil skirt for years, but it fits like a glove and I always feel pulled together when I wear it…so I continue to reach for it when I want to feel my best.
As for choosing the floral midi skirt…if you can’t make a statement at a rooftop cocktail party in New York City, attended by throngs of stylish people, then when can you?! Have a great day, lovebugs!
*photos by Avi Gerver Photography and Megan’s iPhone*
Sounds like so much fun! My mom subscribes for me as a gift every year for 10 years now!! I love BHG and it has changed with times over the years. You are as cute as always!
So much fun! I have only been around this little blog for about two years and just in that short time how you have flown! It's so exciting and encouraging to see how far you have come but after starting to blog myself I can also totally appreciate how much work you have put in.
Thanks, friend! Blogging is a lot of work and time, but so worth it! Thanks for following along on this journey…I love watching yours unfold as well! xoxo
I'm DYING over your laptop case. DYING. And I love your floral skirt with the gingham top. SIGNATURE Cassie. And now I miss Megan.
Can you stand how darling the laptop bag is??? I may even carry it as an oversized clutch!
I think what draws me to your blog is that the way you live is relatable to me. I'm not a designer but love design and home décor and fashion. You're blog posts showcase things I see as attainable. I've emulated your fashion a number of times now!
Ohmygosh, thank you Trudie! Your comment means so much…I'm thrilled you find inspiration here! Creating and writing for this blog, and connecting with such kind people like you, is why I keep cranking it out!!! xoxo
Thanks for the great recap, Cassie. Nothing like NYC. Just echoing comments above about what a pleasure it is to follow you and your blog and how you're able to make fashion and home decor fun and within reach to us regular gals. You also make it look effortless!
Darling Cathy!! Thank you so much for such a kind comment…you guys are making my week! None of us are one-dimensional…most women have lots of loves and passions, so I love being able to share all of mine with you guys! I'm thrilled you enjoy it!! xo
I love your pattern-filled outfits!! You looked GREAT and so YOU in them.
Thanks so much, Estrella! I know my style isn't for everyone, but I always feel my best when I stay true to myself! xo
First things first: I absolutely LOVE the laptop bag! 🙂
Secondly: you are such an inspiration. I can't wait to hang out with other kind, talented, beautiful women at a writerblogger event! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much, Jessica!! I hope our paths cross at an event soon!! Would love to meet you! xo
Thank you so much for sharing your experience…and not just this one but all of them that you blog about! I started blogging earlier this year and never knew how much I would love it! You are an inspiration! And that laptop bag is AMAZING!!
I'm so thrilled you love the recaps…I love writing them, and sharing my love for fellow bloggers! Welcome to the blogland, Tessa!! xo
What a delightful recap so nice to see all these beautiful smiling faces once more! That skirt KILLS me, I hopped over to the site and now I'm smitten with two ….. thanks for the link, keep on being fabulous my friend !
xo
Kate
Ohmygosh…it was so great to finally meet the original blogger…the grand poobah of us all…THE Centsational Girl!!! Loved seeing you…and yes, you need this skirt! So great on your hot, fit new bod!!! xo
Cassie,
You have a nice collection of tan/nude shoes. I'm loving them all. I tend to go with black so I need to ramp up my tan ones. May have to steal your look.
Jenn
Thrilled you love the look, Jenn! I'm on the short side, so the nude shoes help my legs look longer, and hopefully, me look taller! 🙂 xo
It was so good seeing you again, midi skirt twin!
You looked darling in yours…loved the bright color!! xo
This is amazing! What a fun trip…in my favorite city!
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Cassie! You look absolutely amazing in every picture! I love what you packed and how you styled it all!
You always inspire me with your style! That skirt really stood out. Love it!
So much fun seeing you again!! What on earth were we talking so intently about??? lol!
Such a good recap and I am so glad we finally met in person! You are even more lovely in the flesh. 🙂
I need you to StyleMake me! #interpretthatasyouwish
So many of my favorites all in one place but you…YOU my love are my absolute fave. Anyone whose hair looks that good from the back, too, well it's either frenemy you or adore you 😉
xo
It was awesome to finally (!!!) meet you in person Cassie! Getting the chance to talk to so many talented, passionate, creative women that I've admired for years – it was amazing. And you looked fabulous as always. xo
Cassie,
This was a great month of post and NO I can't believe it's October already. My kids already have the countdown to Christmas app. Yikes!!! I can't wait for wonderful holiday house tours. They will be here soon. Love to see how you decorate the new house.
Jenn