Attending Lucky Magazine’s #luckyfabb Event in Santa Monica, CA
I was fortunate enough to attend Lucky Magazine's first West Coast Lucky FABB (Fashion and Beauty Blogger) Conference in Santa Monica at the Annenberg Community Beach House last Monday April 30th. Although I only had the chance to experience the conference for a few hours, I (& everyone in the room or livestreaming) was able to basque in the amazingness known as designer Zac Posen, who started off the morning by chatting with Lucky Mag editor-in-chief Brandon Holley and answering bloggers' questions. Next was the 'Stay True to Your Voice' conversation featuring a panel of founders, editors, and owners of online entertainment, beauty, and fashion sites/blogs. I was looking forward to the conversation between actress Jessica Alba and Christopher Gavigan of Lucky, but that got pushed back to later in the day!
I did however get to mosey on over to the P&G Beauty & Grooming 'Shop the Counter' pop-up shop; for you beauty and skin bloggers, fanatics, enthusiasts...you would have been awe-struck beyond belief by the sheer amount of beauty products that were in the room...like a candy store of cosmetics, hair products, facial cleaners, you name it, they had it! Although I didn't get a chance to hop in the chair to have my make up refreshed or my hair done by one of the stylists, I captured other bloggers taking advantage of these services.
I trailed off to dabble in Michael Stars' Virtual Fitting Room; an experience that consisted of me standing in front of a flat screen and Kinect system, then using Kinect to choose articles of clothing and accessories from Michael Stars' Spring/Summer collections and seeing what they looked like on! I actually was quite taken back by the utilization of technology in fashion; I had used Kinect with XBOX before, but to actually see me on the screen with digital clothes that moved with me as if I actually was wearing it was, for lack of a better word, 'mind-blowing'! Zappos had their very own 'House of Zappos'; not only was the house itself breathtaking but the presentation of the latest fashions and trends was unique and innovative. Each space was like a work of art and we could make our own Zappos-inspired video in the lounge upstairs!
Jellypop shoes,Tacori, Miss Me,Le Sportsac, and Samsung had stations on one floor keeping us busy with photo-boothing, DIY-ing, getting manicures, and more! There were many other conversations with purveyors of the fashion, publication, entrepreneurial, and blog industry which I didn't get to observe, but hopefully I can catch the next LuckyFABB/NYC(since I'll be there in Sept) and fully immerse myself into that conference!
Zac is all about 'embracing the feminine way of dressing'; and energy=fashion! Interesting fact, Zac's mom helped with his shows by creating 'character' profiles for his models (his mom came from a theatre background). Zac strives to provide the highest quality possible at an affordable price point; in building his secondary line Z Spoke, he didn't believe in selling 't-shirts at a designer price point'. Zac's advice to a woman building a business? Maintain the 'power of resilience, deep soul searching comes from focus'. The 'power of the country and this generation will stem from creativity...be cordial'! 'Stick to your guns and have a point of view' Discover 'what makes you an individual'
Below: 'Stay True to Your Voice' Convo/Panel featuring John Jannuzzi (Contributing Digital Editor), Sophia Rossi (HelloGiggles), Kristin Ess (The Beauty Department), Jane Marie (The Hairpin), Bri Emery (DESIGNLOVEFEST), Brit Morin (HelloBrit.com)
Caitlin of P&G took me around the 'Shop the Counter' which featured the latest and greatest beauty, hair, and skincare products to hit the market. I had Caitlin share her fave products, and she let me take some home, can't wait to try all of them!
P&G Beauty provided stylists to do bloggers' hair & make up...gettin' pampered! And finally got to meet Lauren of L.A. in the Bay! I will be seeing her again at the end of the month!
Below: The Michael Stars' Virtual Fitting Room/Integrating Kinect Technology and Michael Stars clothing.
Above: Brooke, Me, & Kelly/Below: Michael, Suzanne, & Simba
Below: Some of my fave fashions that I snapped...they're all mostly candids!
{Below: Miss Me, Jellypop Shoes, Tacori, & Le Sportsac}