Back to School

Well, that hit me like a ton of bricks.

After an outrageous week and a half in Boston and New York, I'm struggling hard to get back into the school mentality. Homework? What does that even mean...

But alas, it's that time again to add school back into the balance and let's be honest, it could be a hell of a lot worse. This time around I'm in the final homestretch. One last year to truly narrow in on what I want to do with my life and soak up all of the knowledge I can before I'm released into the real world. 

My time at the RedEye showed me how much my field is evolving and how important it will be for me to have more video experience--both on and off screen. IFBCON also taught a Video Blogging 101 seminar that got me really excited to start incorporating more digital elements in both my academic and personal writing pieces. 

I've got a lot to learn and a long way to go, but that's what this final year is for. 

Cheers to my last first day of school ever!

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IFBCON 2012: Day Two

{Quiksilver Riding Shorts, Forever 21 Sheer Button-Up, Urban Outfitters Cuff, Alex and Ani Lightening Wrap, Mossimo Suede Black Pumps}

Despite being a bit tired out from the first day and the fabulous after-party at 60 Thompson in Soho, the second day of IFBCON was another day filled with learning about the blogosphere and all of the business behind it.

I felt a bit more ME in high-waisted riding shorts and my signature Urban Outfitters cuff -- definitely more true to my day-to-day grungy style than my feminine, conference-y (yeah, I just made up a word) look from Day One! And how perfect is Kat Von D's Homegirl lipstick? I had to get my hands on it after featuring it in my "A Gloss of Goth" post. 

The highlight of the day was hearing our keynote speaker Iman (who knew she was married to David Bowie?!) tell all about her impressive career as a model, actress, savvy entrepreneur and now, blogger! Her blog Destination Iman recently launched and features everything from home decor to travel and gives an inside look to Iman Cosmetics.

Not only was she insanely stylish and put together, but she was also HILARIOUS, making jokes about how Twitter is too hard for an "old bitch" like her. Her presence was an inspiration and I'm ready to live by her words: "Make yourself irreplaceable and indispensable."

And of course, there was no shortage of  fabulous fashion on Day Two...

{khatalogue in her fabulous DIY aqua, studded denim}

From left to right: khatalogue // Jenny of jenny in jaquard // Amanda of fashionablee me

IFBCON 2012: Day One

From the moment my nude, round-toed pumps stepped out of the taxi and carefully made their way down the cobblestoned street of 82 Mercer, I could tell I was in for 2 jam-packed days of high-fashion and fierceness for the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference in New York City.  

Beautiful bloggers in all shapes, sizes, colors and crazy patterns came together to learn from industry leaders, experienced bloggers and one another in what was the best experience I've had in my blogging career thus far.

While build a balance doesn't solely focus on fashion, I've always loved clothes and scouring through fashion magazines and blogs so I decided to take the plunge and sign up!

Sponsors like Julep and bareMinerals made the day extra fun with stations for getting our nails done, touching up our makeup and creating DIY projects.

We also listened to panels on various blogging and fashion topics including, "The Future of Digital Fashion," and "The Business of Blogging," with some of the industries' key players.

We even got to listen on as Coco Rocha interviewed the fabulous Derek Blasberg.

But I think my favorite part of the whole event was seeing all of the outrageously wonderful fashion!

My IFBCON Look: 

  

             {Akira Dress; Aldo Pumps & Purse}                                                                         {Twinsies reppin' Twin Cities}

After discovering Essie's Penny Talk while visiting Jacqueline in Boston, I was so excited to see how well it looked with the copper of my collar and made sure to swipe a bit of copper shadow across my lids to bring the look together. 

While she was speaking on the "How to Make Friends and Win Readers" panel, I noticed that Kate Arends of Wit + Delight also had the same fabulous fashion choice as me and rather than getting upset, I had to embrace my twin who just so happens to blog in a wonderful city near and dear to my heart -- MPLS represent! 

You should also take a look at these fresh fashionistas (and new friends!)...

  

From left to right: Niani of the fierce fantasy  // Aminta of clothes & fashion // Tracy of the right shoes

InstaLife: Summer 2012

{sunrise from lakeshore drive}

{9 to 5: tribune tower}

{fashion inferno photo shoot for RedEye - by lenny gilmore}

{missing australia}

{rendezvous with old friends}

{holstein park pool - only 4 blocks from my new house!}

{choice chicago eats - butcher & the burger turkey burger and fries; giordano's pineapple & pepperoni pizza}

{doing my homework for nyfw & ifbcon 2012}