Blogfest 2011 - Day 3

The third day of started and ended with a "bang". I really looked forward to seeing Architectural Digest (AD) Editor Margaret Russell. I have been a fan of Ms. Russell's for a very long time. I think she was such a driving force at Elle Decor. To be very honest, she is the only reason I have a subscription to AD. I have long considered the publication to be too modern, too stark, too cold. Since Margaret is taking over I have hopes that it will turn around and have more of a personality.

Me & Chanee of me{longings}

Me & Erin of Elements of Style

I just have to tell this little story. Erin and her friends looked like an intimidating group. Seriously, all of them looked like senior girls among a group of freshman. I mustered up a small conversation with her and although she looked like a real life Charlie's Angel, she was extremely friendly and funny. I told her to try and dull her appearance for the picture, but as you can see she did not. I often refer to Erin's blog, Elements of Style because I do think she is on top of the "what's what" and all that. I enjoy the humor and direct style of her posts.

After hanging out with Peggy aka Margaret, we went to the New York Design Center (NYDC) for a tour and lunch. The center is amazing! It was like a candy store, no joke. I felt a little high being there.

This poor girl was so busy. She was on an office phone and two cell phones. Actually, I may have staged this scenario just a tad to create drama... It was just a cool place, none the less.

I have so many pictures of things I thought were photo worthy. You must keep in mind that this place is 16 stories of awesome. I just can't show you everything I took a picture of so here are just a few.

We headed out on buses for a Kravet/Lee Jofa/ Brunschwig & Fils studio tour. This was a really long day. It was a little overwhelming and fantastic at the same time. We saw lots and lots of fabric and the design process for the patterns and different kinds of prints.

Finally, we headed into the home stretch and went back to NYDC for a surprise guest and party.

Me & Thom Filicia 

Blogfest 2011 - Day 2

The second day of the conference started with a trip to Kips Bay Decorators Show House.  I am amazed at the time and money that is put into these show houses.  You can see some great pictures of the house if you go to this POST from Erin of Elements of Style 

We headed over to the D&D Building for the Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa preview and picnic.  Please go check out my new friend Kate's POST (DomestiKated Life) on the showroom. She has some great pictures of the fabrics.

I was happy to make yet another new friend.  This is Nicole of BKLYN Contessa. She is a tough cookie and she was so very personable.

A MAJOR highlight of the day and the entire trip was Barbara Berry. Seriously, she was simply inspiring and amazing to listen to. I was a fan before meeting her, but now I am just adoring of her gracious style and organic approach to design.  She is simply a lovely woman.

Roslyn of Unexpected House Guest, Me and Deena of Urban by Design

The next event was the Lee Jofa Heritage Collection.  Seven designers were asked to select a favorite iconic Lee Jofa print and reinterpret the pattern with their own unique design style. This was really great because I was seriously stoked to actually meet some of the designers that I have their design books on my coffee table. I would say this was one of my favorite moments of the conference for sure.

Me & Eric Cohler

He thinks that I am a photo diva because I had my picture taken with him once, then stood in line again because I did not like the picture. I took my dorky name tag off and asked him to do it for the second time. He was really nice and he was so thoughtful to write a personal message to everyone in our design books. Thanks Eric!!

Mr. Cohler's design was my favorite. He took a Treyes Handblock pattern and updated it in a tasteful, modern look. Eric designed the fabric for the dining chairs and I think the pattern was a brilliant play on the traditional English country house chintz drapes.

Me and Suzanne Kasler

Suzanne selected a new Shiraz Print and gave it her signature look with a pale pink color on linen.

Last, but certainly not least is the Mac Daddy of them all...

Thomas O'Brien

Thomas selected a Nympheus Handblock pattern.

 I kinda acted like a fool. I was so thrilled to actually meet him.

I went to bed very happy that night. I would certainly say that the $100 registration fee for the event was well worth it.

Blogfest 2011 - Day 1

The trip was great, Blogfest 2011 was an eye opening experience for me and NYC does not disappoint (except for the rain). I had the wonderful opportunity to meet lots of new friends. I am a very lucky gal having had the chance to take such an amazing trip.

I will try to give you a semi-short synopsis of the events. All the bloggers who attended will have the same pics so I am not going to wear it out. I will highlight major points of my interest in individual posts.

Chanee of {me}longings and Nyla of Nyla Free Designs

This was the "kickoff" lunch at Hearst Tower. You will see these peonies on every post about the event.

We went to the Hearst Theater for a panel discussion with the editors of Town & Country, House Beautiful and Veranda (pictured right: Beth Greene is facilitating). Basically, we all thought we would see how they made selections for the publications, instead they read everyone's resume' and education. It was still cool to see the editors, I was just happy to be in the Hearst Tower.

The Elle Decor Show House was really great. These are a few of my favorite pics:

{My favorite room in the ShowHouse was designed by Marie Turner} 

The lacquer ceiling, calm grays and taupes, accented with gold were a perfect combination.

Another designer created this outdoor patio design that combined lots of natural wood materials, plush cushions, light & airy fabrics and lots of greenery.

 The Joss & Main Event was the last party of the evening for Day 1. Lots of cocktails and lots of chatting. Everyone was exchanging cards and getting to know each other.

The real highlights for the first day was meeting new people.

Here are just a few:

Sara Kate of Sara Kate Studios

Kate of DomestiKated Life

Janell of Isabella & Max Rooms and House of Fifty