Blogfest 2012: New York in Detailed Review!

Hi all! So it seems I'm still struggling with getting back into regular blogging routine this week, which I will unashamedly blame on my crazy week in New York and Toronto and the tiredness that ensued. But enough complaining, let's recap a few of my highlights.

I arrived in New York late Sunday afternoon after a perfectly lovely drive through gorgeous upstate New York and kicked off the week with a bloggers meetup organized by the lovely Viviana. As we were all chatting away into the night, it felt like I had known those ladies for years.

Tobe, Naomi, myself, Christine, Vanessa, Christine, Viviana, Mackenzie, Alex, Sarah, Elizabeth, Becca, Erika, Meg, Natalie, and Jen.

The night finished off with a perfectly lovely dinner with Tobe, Naomi and Meg at Extra Virgin in the West Village. Tip: do try the truffle mac and cheese! MmmmMmm!

Christine, myself, Naomi, Christine

Day 1

Monday morning, a few of us bloggers got a free blow dry at Drybar, organized by the lovely Chassity. There was free flowing champagne, iPod docking stations and chick flicks playing on the TV screens.



We couldn't really ask for more. We even got to meet the architect behind Drybar Flatiron and the owner of the Drybar chain, Alli Webb.

Back row: Christine, Naomi, Melissa, Tobe, myself

Front row: Erika, Erica, Amanda, Chassity, Mackenzie, Meg, Alli

We kicked off Blogfest by visiting the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse. My oh my were we in for a treat!

Alexander Doherty

Many of the rooms were sensational but three stuck out from the crowd: Thom Filicia's lacquered green foyer, Alexa Hampton's dramatic bedroom and a decorator I only recently discovered: Alexander Doherty's collectors bedroom.

Thom Filicia

There are a few moments in one's life where you see a room so perfect it becomes the sole inspiration for your future house. Alexa Hampton's bedroom did it for me. The walls were lacquered in the perfect warm charcoal grey and the ceilings were silverleafed. Spectacular.

Alexa Hampton

After Kips Bay, we hopped over to the Savant showroom for a party hosted by Thom Filicia. We got to hear him speak, learn more about the integrated home automation systems of Savant, mingle and meet a few talented designers such as Nick Olsen (yes, I was slightly starstruck), Jamie Meares and the lovely ladies from Tilton Fenwick.

The night didn't end there, as we kicked off a few blocks away to Lure Fishbar, to meet a few other bloggers that were in town... The evening finished off at Merc Bar across the street.

Top Row: Elizabeth, Alex, Amanda, Tobe, Chassity, Naomi, myself, Christine, Erika

Bottom Row: Nicole, Tamra, Grace, Meg, Victoria, Becca, Natalie

Day 2
Day 2 started bright eyed and bushy tail at 8am on the 44th floor of the Hearst Tower, overlooking Central Park.

The morning was packed full of inspiring speakers which included Newell Turner, Darryl Carter, Jon Call, and a few others. Needless to say it was inspiring! Check out my tweets from May 22nd for all the inspiring quotes!

Newell Turner, Michael Herold, Jill Goldberg, Jon Call

After, we jetted off to the D&D building to visit the Lee Jofa and Brunswick & Fils showrooms where we also heard Alexa Hampton speak, interviewed by Ann Maine, editor in chief of Traditional Home magazine. Boy was she entertaining and inspiring! The best quotes are on Twitter.

Alexa Hampton and Ann Maine

Later that day, we visited the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House, grabbed a bite to eat at the Ace Hotel with the lovely Tobe and Naomi, and made our way to Everswoon's launch party hosted at Marissa Perry Atelier (home of some of the most beautiful engagement rings I have laid eyes upon). We finished off the night on a non-descript rooftop with a lovely group of girls. Needless to say we had become fast friends.

Tobe, myself, Naomi, Tamra, Marissa

Day 3
Wednesday started slowly as we trekked our way to visit ABC Carpet and Home with Victoria, Tobe and Naomi. Of course there was endless amounts of goodness to look at and we barely made it to Interiors Magazine panel where Miles Redd was speaking. Good thing we made it and got to exchange a few awkward words with him before the panel started.

Miles Redd, Marisa Marcantonio, Peter Aaron, Michael Wollaeger

That evening, the lovely Grace and her sister Becca invited Victoria and I to see Evgeny Kissin and the NY Philharmonic Orchestra at the Lincoln Center. After 4 encores, we made our way to the exit but we suspect he played a few more. It was a magical concert! Evgeny Kissin, as we learned a bit later, is one of the top 5 pianist prodigies in the world, and I can see why.

Victoria and I finished off the night at David Burke Kitchen, where I ate a delicious dish of scallops, celery root puree and braised pork belly. Delish.

The morning after, I met up for brunch with Victoria and the lovely Julie at the Standard Grill where we chatted over Bloody Mary's. I wish I would've had more time with these girls but it was time to go.

Gosh, I think this is the most link heavy post I've even written! I could go on and on in details about all sorts of fun facts from this action packed trip but I feel this is already enough of a novel. If you're still reading, you may go see my Blogfest photo album on Facebook!