Wednesday, November 6, 2019

#WordlessWednesday Photos from the @worldmarket Pop Up Shop celebrating all things @hellokitty (& @sanrio friends) Happy Birthday #HelloKitty #WorldMarketxHelloKitty #DiscoverWorldMarket

NOT SPONSORED! MY LOVE FOR HELLO KITTY AND WORLD MARKET IS 100% REAL




I have been obsessed with all things Hello Kitty since childhood. Figures, Stickers, Pajamas you name it!

I recently got the chance to check out an Influencer Preview of the Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop at Cost Plus World Market.

The World Market location in Manhattan's Chelsea Neighborhood got a special Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop Makeover!

The Hello Kitty Holiday Collection at World Market will offer exclusive items from Hello Kitty and Friends!

I got a chance to live out my childhood dreams and because it is #WordlessWednesday on the interwebs I am bringing you the Photo Highlights:

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: Meet Hello Kitty and Keroppi Live and In Person and join in on the Hello Kitty Birthday Celebration? Yes, Please! (If only it were a Pajama Party, I would have sported my HK PJ's. Yes, I own adult Hello Kitty Pajamas, don't judge me!)

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: Not sure how I managed to get decent shots outside the store, I couldn't wait to get inside!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: What has two thumbs and wants one of everything? This Chick!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop
Above: Drinks? Don't mind if I do! The Drink Menu included: Hello Kitty - Cabernet Sauvignon,  Hello Kitty Sparkling Rosé, Sparkling Mineral Water and Orange Passion Mango Italian Soda

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Hello Kitty Wine
Above: That Sparkling Rosé is so good! Just make sure to keep it well secured if you have any littles around! I also found out I need that Orange Passion Mango Soda in my life too!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Japanese Calligraphy, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: Japanese Calligrapher @kuni_rhythm was on hand to make guests a print of their name. I wanted mine to read: "Ascending Butterfly" but we were asked to restrict the print to one name, so I asked for 'butterfly' - which prompted him to ask 'like the insect'? This totally reminded me of the event where I got to meet Soccer Player, Mia Hamm, during the meet and greet she was signing 'mini soccer balls' and I asked for her to sign mine Ascending Butterfly but she omitted Ascending and just signed mine "To Butterfly" and I will treasure them both because of the fun memory. Little known fact about me, I was also obsessed with and learned to do Calligraphy when I was younger, this made me want to dust off my pens and start doing it again!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Butterfly in Japanese Calligraphy, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: The finished Result! The word "BUTTERFLY" in Japanese Calligraphy! I like to post my photos in the order I worked the room, oddly this photo ended up being number 22 in my camera roll, for some reason the numbers 2, 22, and 222 always follow me somehow. I like that my number got attached to this photo. For me butterflies have always been a sign from a loved one who has passed. I like to think this is a double sign that my angel on my shoulder was watching over me.

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, AMEZAIKU, Traditional Japanese Candy Art, Candy 5, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: AMEZAIKU - Traditional Japanese Candy Art by Candy 5!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, AMEZAIKU, Traditional Japanese Candy Art, Candy 5, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: I couldn't resist zooming in to nab a shot of Candy 5 at work! When she would complete the personalized candy, she would hold it up to her shirt, perfectly centered inside the border of the frame, so you could see the completed result as Art. I thought that was genius!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Towers of Treats, Hello Kitty Treats, Macarons, Cherry Blossom, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: I was not fast enough to nab shots of the passed eats, but I did nab a shot of these assorted tower of treats!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Kerropi and Hello Kitty, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: Keroppi and Hello Kitty busting a move!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Hello Kitty Birthday Cake, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: Leaked Footage of my Dreams, ahem I mean Hello Kitty's Birthday Cake! A four tier cake surrounded by Hello Kitty Cookies, yes Please!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Hello Kitty Birthday Cake, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: While the cake was almost too pretty to cut, I am glad Hello Kitty wanted to share birthday cake with ME, ahem I mean guests, yeah that's the ticket!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Hello Kitty Influencer Event, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: The stuff that dreams are made of! I realized my childhood dream of meeting Hello Kitty! Special thanks to my blogging buddy Mitch of GayNYCDad for patiently taking tons of photos and being sure to nab my footwear (Shout out to Earth Footwear, these tall waterproof boots are called "Raleigh" you can get them from Earth Footwear here: https://earthshoes.com/earth-shoes-raleigh-womens-waterproof-leather-boots-bdl)

MY TAKE:

For those of you who don't live near any of the 15 Cost Plus World Market Brick and Mortar retail locations that are hosting this special Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop - you can totally shop for the items online!

It is probably hard to tell in the photo but I am wearing a very special Hello Kitty Necklace in this photo!

There is literally something fun for all ages (and us adults who are still kids at heart!).

For those of you who have deals on the brains, and who doesn't right? It is Black Friday Deals month all month long at Cost Plus World Market!

And one sad warning for my fellow New York City peeps, while the Manhattan Pop Up Shop has a ton of cool stuff, they do NOT sell the wines in the Chelsea location (and if you have a Manhattan or tri-state address the site does not let you ship wine to your home either), you will have to pick up the wines from another location. I just thought I should warn you in case you were only heading out there to pick up the wine for purchase. And while I reference owning HK adult PJ's they are my own, this pop up does not have them nor do the brick and mortar stores. The necklace I am wearing is also my own.

I bought some cute stuff in addition to the amaze balls gift bag - those photos will come under their own respective posts in the future - so stay tuned!

The only thing I don't actually have yet is Hello Kitty Luggage - so ahem if you make Hello Kitty Luggage and are reading this post, I take HK bribes, ahem I mean collaborations - that's the ticket!

READERS: Do you love Hello Kitty as much as I do? What is one of your favorite childhood toys?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. This is NOT a Compensated Post, it is an Event Recap. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

{#WineWednesday} With Fall approaching you may be ready to ditch Frosé, but here are some Rosé wines and others to keep on rotation!

With Fall approaching you may be ready to give up those summer Frosé Drinks, but don't count out Rosé just yet.

It's an approachable Wine that can be enjoyed year round.

I got to hit a Wine Trade Tasting hosted by Vias Wines at a really cool downtown location called The Leroy Room an events space at Murray's Cheese.

Vias Imports really went all out and a selection of their finest wines were on display.

This butterfly had to be quick to nab decent shots as it was definitely a good turnout, here are my standouts:


Murray's Cheese The Leroy Room Bleeker Street New York City
Above: "Say Cheese" - this bright and beautiful display attracted trade and media to enjoy a selection of cheeses to pair with their wine. Murray's Cheese put out quite a spread, whenever you are in NYC you *MUST* check them out, here is a link to their store and partner locations: https://www.murrayscheese.com/locations


La Dolci Colline Rosé Spumante Brut, Aneri Rosé  Di Sorbara, Davolarosa Brut Rosé Feudi del Pisciotto
Above: (from Left to Right): Altaneve Rosé, La Dolci Colline Rosé Spumante Brut (you know I can't resist a good Brut!), Aneri Rosé  Di Sorbara, Davolarosa Brut Rosé (Feudi del Pisciotto) - you literally can't go wrong with any of these!


Vias Imports Vias Wines Summer Rose Wine Tasting The Leroy Room Murrays Cheese New York City
Above: Same wines in the Wine Bucket - I have a thing for hammered copper - Can I have this as a parting gift please? Tee-Hee!


Vias Imports Vias Wines Summer Rose Wine Tasting The Leroy Room Murrays Cheese New York City Pour Shot
Above: I am literally obsessed with Wine Pour Shots (but you already know this) by the way - not my hands, both parties agreed to me taking this shot and preserving their hands for virtual posterity. I only wish I had four hands so I could have also taken a boomerang for Instagram. I am obsessed with Boomerangs too as they give you an 'endless pour' effect. I love capturing moments.


Vias Imports Anna Rosé Wine
Above: Anna Rosé Wine - you know that this looked like butterfly wings to me! Think I can convince them to change the name from 'Anna' to 'Tracy'? or Ascending Butterfly?


Vias Imports Mr Dry Malbec Gouguenheim 2018, Vias Wine
Above: Mr Dry Malbec, Gouguenheim 2018 - as you guessed Anna is Ms Sweet and this Malbec is Mr Dry! Rosé with low residual sugar and 13% alcohol by volume. You should easily pick up on strawberry, red berry and notes of cherries.


Vias Imports Gouguenheim Malbec Bubbles Sparkling Wine Rosé Valle Escondido
Above: All kinds of YES to this Gouguenheim Malbec Bubbles Sparkling Wine Rosé (Valle Escondido) - and I am so grateful to the staff that graciously held up the bottles of the wines I wanted to feature! I am going to cheat a bit but this is so accurate:

"Delicate with red fruit aromas, predominantly of cherries and strawberries. Very fresh in the mouth; soft tones with good acidity. Small and brilliant bubbles." ~ Vias Imports



Vias Imports Burst 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand Wine
Above: Burst 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand Wine - In regard to New Zealand wines, the Marlborough region is the most highly regarded and by far the largest in the country. This region has been closely associated with high quality white wines for over forty years now, and consistently produces some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc wines in the world.


Vias Imports Vias Wines Acinum Prosecco Extra Dry DOP
Above: Acinum Prosecco Extra Dry DOP. To find a dry Prosecco that is slightly creamy with guava and pineapple notes was a pleasant surprise, this one would pair nicely with any fish dishes you are serving!


Vias Imports Vias Wines SUHRU Wines North Fork Long Island
Above: SUHRU Wines - The goal of this North Fork Long Island Winery is to make crisp, bright white wines and fruit forward red wines with soft tannins and medium body. They strive to create easy drinking, approachable, and food friendly wines that compliment the local environment and the local foods and produce grown on the North Fork. Visit SUHRU Wines here: https://www.suhruwines.com/


Vias Imports Vias Wines SUHRU Wines North Fork Long Island Pour Shot
Above: Had to nab a SUHRU Wine Pour shot. SUHRU Wines is a family owned winery established in 2008 with a romantic and sweet backstory, Susan and Russell definitely put their love into SUHRU.


Vias Imports Vias Wines Purato Certified Organic Wines
Above: Purato Certified Organic Wines. From Left to Right: Purato Rosé Terre Siciliane IGP (smooth sip with fresh berry aroma and flavor, suggested food pairing - prawns), Middle: Purato Cattaratto Pinot Grigio Terre Siciliane IGP (straw yellow color with citrus, tropical fruit and floral notes - everyday drinking wine pairs with seafood dishes and grilled dishes), Right: Nero d'Avola Purato Sicily DOC (Fruity Notes of Blackberry and Blueberry Compote - pastas with tomato based sauces, red meats, barbecued pork ribs or grilled steak) The wine in the box that is to the back and separate is: Purato Siccari Terre Siciliane IGP with notes of spices, medicinal herbs, cherry, black cherry and dried fruits this one was the most intense and would pair well with red meat, game, sharp and aged cheeses.


Vias Imports Vias Wines Leone De Castris 1665 Five Roses Salento IGT
Above: Leone De Castris 1665 Five Roses Salento IGT - a fresh wine with cherry and strawberry scent which pairs nicely with risotto, braised meat dishes, white meat and seafood dishes

MY TAKE:



Whether you are a wine expert or a novice, I hope I was able to put a few new wines on your radar. I try to be sure to give you a feel for a wide variety even though my palate leans more toward 'dry' wines. 

The focus was Rosé Wine, but there were other wines to be tasted which I was very happy about, especially that hidden gem Prosecco (you know I LOVE my bubbles).

My signature hostess gift is Wine and Flowers, and I am always looking to mix things up!


I like to present what I tasted as an overview, I try to avoid 'reviews' when it comes to wine, much like a perfume I prefer to give the notes - only you know which direction your palate leans (and if you don't hit a few consumer wine tastings until you figure out if you are a 'balanced', "dry", or "sweet" palate - once you know that the rest falls into place), and then you can read reviews or tasting notes and have them make more sense to you.

Readers Sound Off: Which of these Wines would you most like to try? 

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. This is NOT a Compensated Post, it is an Event Recap. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, August 5, 2019

While I get ready to cover @curvexpo 2019 #Curvexpo #CURVENY #CURVE - I leave you with beautiful images of the last one!

| CURVEXPO |  CURVE NEW YORK 2019


CURVE NEW YORK doesn't always work with my crazy schedule and while I rarely have the luxury to spend all 3 days there, I maximize the time I do spend at the show to the fullest. It is always fun getting a sneak peek at the styles and trends that are upcoming.

As this show is meant to connect brands with buyers, often times when I visit the exhibitor booths, many styles are still under embargo - meaning press can't write about them yet. And I have to spend a lot of time asking which styles I can feature and which are still in top secret mode.

As with most tradeshows (and for those who know NYC well, the Javitz can play host to an incredible number of vendors/booths), I can only hit so many booths/exhibitors/vendors. Which makes my natural tendency to go with brands I actually wear and feel I 'know'.

But I also seek out unique stories and brands with 'heart' and 'soul'.

Most trade shows are so focused on retailers/buyers that press/media can very much get lost in the shuffle which is sad, but not entirely surprising. (Not my first time at the Rodeo). So in some cases I will have only pictures, but with some brands I did get a chance to make a real 'connection'.

Body Positivity and Inclusiveness has always factored big for this show, but definitely way more so in the past few years. Women's bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Consumers expect the market to support that.

While I get the scoop at CURVEXPO/CURVE NEW YORK 2019, (check our social pages for daily photos) check out highlights of the last show here.

Here are my Photo Highlights, (in no particular order):


Vossen, world's first certified Vegan Towel and Bathrobe collection
ABOVE: Vossen - the world's first certified Vegan Towel and Bathrobe collection,  definitely caught my eye.

Normally the photo above is one I don't use, I use that as a reminder to myself that the photos that come after are from that booth and so on.

The booth number photo shot tends to be a place mark for me, but I liked this one so I thought I would use it!


Vossen, world's first certified Vegan Towel and Bathrobe collection






































If you are trying to lead a 100% Plant -Based Vegan Lifestyle, you are going to want to incorporate Vossen's Towels, Bath Robes, Bath Rugs, Beach, Kids and Wellness products into your Vegan Home!


Vossen, world's first certified Vegan Towel and Bathrobe collection
ABOVE: Vossen makes everyday a 'spa day'



Playtex 18 Hour Front Close Posture Bra, Style: USE525 at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK

ABOVE:  Playtex had a wide variety of styles on display, the Playtex 18 Hour Front Close Posture Bra, Style: USE525 really caught my eye! (Waiting on a press sample of it and will give you more details on how well it worked for me now that I have problems with my neck) - with this link you can buy it from Amazon at a great everyday low price (or put it in your cart or wishlist to be alerted of any price drops) Note: This is an affiliate link, if you purchase it we get a commission! For us 'well endowed' types this bra checks a lot of boxes, cushion at the shoulders, wide straps, support in a front hook style so we don't have to twist around try to hoist the girls while pulling up the straps, this style makes everyday nice and easy! And a gentle reminder to keep your shoulders back and keep your posture game on point.

@HurrayKimmay "How Retailers Can Work with the Media and Influencers" panel at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK


ABOVE: @HurrayKimmay led the "How Retailers Can Work with the Media and Influencers" panel. Needless to say I made it a point to get a good seat, take notes, and make a note of which brands were there. It saves me time and energy when brands have a strong sense of how Influencer Outreach should work, and seminars like this help them do just that. This should be a required panel at most conferences and tradeshows in my humble opinion and . (her name is clickable and it will link you to her post seminar resources, including a link to the expo page's facebook video)

@HurrayKimmay "How Retailers Can Work with the Media and Influencers" panel at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK Heather Patt quote slide


ABOVE: You can press on this to make it bigger, but in case you are feeling lazy and wondering what the slide says, it reads:

"Collaborate with a brand by giving the brand incentive to give your retail store credit in an editorial placement.

Also, as a PR professional of over 18 years I have never seen so many changes taking place to the Media landscape. More and more digital outlets are taking the place of print, and more freelancers are covering multiple outlets as opposed to one editor for one market. It is so important to keep up with these changes and make sure your company remains visible in a very crowded field." ~ Heather Patt

Heather Patt
Owner, Heather Patt Public Relations

I wholeheartedly agree with Heather, this is an incredibly crowded landscape and most freelancer Editors (like myself) write for a wide variety of both Print AND Digital outlets.  Many digital Editors want to present brands to readers that they trust and have actually road tested, the best relationships still take time build.

Brands do need to learn to navigate the landscape and learn to work with a wide variety of Content Producers.

I get a ton of pitches, but I would rather work with fewer brands, whose products I know and trust, brands that understand that I do test what I present and brands that understand their product is not payment for a Digital Editorial Feature. Digital Freelancers cannot pay their bills in their XYZ Product.


@HurrayKimmay "How Retailers Can Work with the Media and Influencers" panel at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK Kayla Boyd quote slide

ABOVE: Just in case you do not want to press this one to make it bigger:

"I often get pitches where brands ask me to add their product to an article we already published and that isn't usually helpful because it is rare for us to go back into an article just to add another product to it.

You're much better off pitching us your product from a new or unique angle." ~ Kayla Boyd, Associate Commerce Editor at Today.com

Again, not only do I agree with Kayla completely, I can tell you I am NEVER going to go back to an old post to add any kind of link or a competitor product, I find that shady and not very ethical and I will NOT do it. I am glad this came up during the panel.

While I am sure there are some brand that are not doing this with deceptive intent, all brands need to be made aware that this is one of the biggest thorns in any Editor's side. Please stop doing this!


@HurrayKimmay "How Retailers Can Work with the Media and Influencers" panel at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK Kayla Boyd quote Estelle Puleston slide

ABOVE: In case you don't want to press this one to make it bigger:

"My Blog Reviews consistently get a high volume of traffic, often for years to come after being published. Reviews have a long 'shelf life' - they're something that potential customers are always going to be searching for.

And I've been told by brands that my reviews have sent them lost of traffic and sales - even when the review itself wasn't a glowing 'this product is perfect one.' ~ Estelle Puleston, Owner of Esty Lingerie

PREACH, SISTER PREACH! My blog reviews also get consistently high numbers. And like Estelle mentions, well after they were posted. I always strive to give a very balanced review, and I feel that has helped me to build trust. I like to give both the pros and cons of any product/event experience to help readers determine what is right for them. Again, I am so glad this topic was addressed at this panel.

@HurrayKimmay "How Retailers Can Work with the Media and Influencers" panel at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK Melanie Sutrathada quote slide


ABOVE: As you can tell I was a bit off to the side of the monitor, here is the text in case you can't see it:

"The biggest mistake I see retailers make when working with bloggers is not being specific, I've received hundreds of generic emails with, "Dear Blogger" as the first line and a pitch that was copied and pasted. I want to work with brands that understand my voice and who have done their research. The more specific and catered your pitch is, the better! Looking just to gift product? Want to bring on a Brand Ambassador? You have to be upfront and honest from the start. That's how a good relationship begins.

Also, never get your CC mixed with your BCC. There's nothing quite like being accidentally included on a CC to 100 other people" ~ Melanie Sutrathada, Actor and Content Creator

I am certainly in agreement with Melanie, with the exception of the use of the word "Gift" - please note you are not gifting a Digital Editor - that person is staging original photography (Pro Bloggers upgrade to strong DSLR equipment), creating content, coding HTML, promoting their posts via social media to boost engagement, monitoring all comments - and interacting and engaging with *each* one. A review post as mentioned in the slide prior to this one is evergreen content that users are constantly searching for. Please do not think for one moment that you are 'gifting' an Editor.

The honesty mentioned by Melanie is certainly a two way street, when both parties are very clear about goals and expectations, campaigns are ultimately more successful.

Curvy Couture Exhibitor Booth at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK

ABOVE: Isn't this such a great teal color? I love this set by Curvy Couture!

One of my favorite is when the styles all come to us in the event lounge, as Press who can't possibly hit all the exhibitors, having the styles come to us is super convenient, so here is a 'fashion show' compilation. (I was off to the side again, so I tried to catch the models as they turned to leave the stage):


Mey lingerie and Pajamas featured in the Event Lounge Fashion Show at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK

ABOVE: A visual reminder to guys that there is always something pretty hidden under those 'everyday PJ's' - I see you Polka Dots! This is from MEY's Fall/Winter 2019 Collection.



ABOVE: My zoom is doing it's job, but by the time the models turned my way, they were already lowering their signs. So it was clear shot, or super sideways with sign......You can see which option I went with! :)
Leonisa Shapewear featured in the Event Lounge Fashion Show at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK

ABOVE: Now that's what I'm talking about, see how the model from Leonisa holds up her sign with a smile long enough for me to capture it. You have no idea how many photos looked good in the thumbnail but the model was in motion so I had to delete so many! (Get 15% off your first order when you sign up for their newsletter!)

Elila USA featured in the Event Lounge Fashion Show at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK

ABOVE: If you have been following for awhile, and have read previous coverage I have written of Curvexpo/Curve New York, then you know just how much I love Elila. I seriously want to be their official blogger brand ambassador. They truly keep the girls 'aiming skyward', but do it in a way that is both super comfortable and super stylish! Style 2311 is my personal favorite and Amazon has select sizes on sale, so I linked you to them! Get one in EVERY color with this style, you won't regret it! (You're Welcome!)

Anita Active featured in the Event Lounge Fashion Show at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK

ABOVE: I love the power pose from the Anita Active Model, amazon has select Anita Active Styles on sale, I link you to one, but you when you get there you can switch style and size, I am hoping to try out some of their styles as I haven't worn Anita yet.

Mey lingerie and Pajamas featured in the Event Lounge Fashion Show at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK

ABOVE: I saw this color quite often on the tradeshow floor and oddly enough a sort of 'steel greyish' was also quite popular from a wide variety of brands. This is also from MEY's Fall/Winter 2019 Collection

Kinky Korner featured in the Event Lounge Fashion Show at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK






































ABOVE: Curvexpo's curated concept showroom is called the Kinky Korner.  The area featured a selection of erotic, sensual and sexy intimate apparel and accessory brands. High-quality international offerings were on display. A model showcased a few of the styles for visiting Buyers and Media.


Empreinte featured in the Event Lounge Fashion Show at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK


ABOVE: Euro brand Empreinte definitely should have picked darker color for this model, I find this color looks washed out against the model's pale skin. I wish they would have put her in the style they call "Diane" in the color Magenta on their site: https://www.empreinte.eu/en/catalog.aspx?l=diane&cat=31245 - this bra is FIRE!


Lingerie and Intimates Event Lounge Fashion Show at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORKEvent Lounge Fashion Show at CURVEXPO CURVE NEW YORK


ABOVE: This is barely even a fraction of the amount of brands/exhibitors in attendance!

The Jacob Javitz Convention Center in NYC hosts multiple events/tradeshows simultaneously per day and when you are very lucky the conferences will let attendees with one badge get into another tradeshow being held at the Convention Center.

My wanderings to another show led me to a FAB Butterfly find, check out these "butterfly-licious" shots:

Alice and Olivia by Stacey Bendet Exhibitor Booth at Accessorie at Jacob Javitz New York City, butterflies, animal print, floral, flowers
ABOVE: Needless to say this display by Alice and Olivia by Stacey Bendet stopped me in my tracks! It was a butterfly lovers delight and I spent time nabbing more photos at this booth!
Alice and Olivia by Stacey Bendet Exhibitor Booth at Accessorie at Jacob Javitz New York City, butterflies, animal print, floral, flowers

ABOVE: Animal Print AND Butterflies and turning New York's Uniform of a 'Little Black Dress' on it's head with RED, um, YES, PLEASE! (Press on this photo and make it bigger and then come back) They will be added to my all things "Ascending Butterfly Loves Butterflies" board on pinterest soon! (I link to both the board directly and my main page - if you are not already following me via Pinterest you should! Leave me a comment and let me know the handle to your pinterest account so I can follow back!)

Alice and Olivia by Stacey Bendet Exhibitor Booth at Accessorie at Jacob Javitz New York City, butterflies, animal print, floral, flowers
ABOVE: That crown of butterflies might be good for me to wear at tradeshows, you know for branding purposes! LOL

MY TAKE:

CURVEXPO is one of the few tradeshows that although it is intended for brands and buyers/retailers to connect, I consider it one of my annual three that I regularly cover (depending on me being in town of course).

Much like my obsession with Handbags, attending this tradeshow is making me a 'lingerie snob'. I am getting better at spotting high quality pieces and finding brands that help me accentuate what I've got the right way.

I will be headed to the show today so keep your eyes on our social pages for more updates, and stay tuned for a full recap of the Summer edition of Curve.

Readers, here's YOUR call to action: Which Brand Featured Above Interests YOU most? Brownie Points: If you visit their website, then come back here and share a specific style that you liked best, who knows, maybe I can have them come back and do something fun for YOU as well.

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. This is NOT a Compensated Post, it is an Event Recap. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. While I can't pay my landlord with bras, this butterfly does like pretty things, and enjoys covering this tradeshow!

Friday, June 7, 2019

@NYBG Launches newest exhibit "BRAZILIAN MODERN: THE LIVING ART OF ROBERTO BURLE MARX" Saturday, July 8, 2019 #NYBG #plantlove

New York Botanical Garden Launches BRAZILIAN MODERN:  THE LIVING ART OF  ROBERTO BURLE MARX


Roberto Burle Marx (August 4, 1909 – June 4, 1994) was a Brazilian landscape architect, painter, print maker, ecologist, naturalist, artist and musician whose designs of parks and gardens and passionate commitment to plant conservation made him world-famous. He is accredited with having introduced modernist landscape architecture to Brazil. He was known as a modern nature artist and a public urban space designer. His work had a great influence on tropical garden design in the 20th century. Water gardens were a popular theme in his work. He was deftly able to transfer traditional artistic expressions such as graphic design, tapestry and folk art into his landscape designs. He also designed fabrics, jewelery and stage sets.  He was one of the first people to call for the conservation of Brazil's rainforests. More than 50 plants bear his name. He amassed a substantial collection of plants at his home, including more than 500 philodendrons.

I had the opportunity to attend the Media Preview Day for this amazing exhibit that opens Saturday, July 8, 2019 to the public.

The exhibit brings a taste of Brazil to New York City and I couldn't resist sharing this vibrant preview video from New York Botanical Garden:



Warning: For some reason my template is smushing my photos more than usual today so please press on them to see them full size.

We started off our morning right with amazing smoothies from the Merenda Food Truck!


Above: Merenda Food Truck, New York Botanical Garden, May 2019


Above: Nabbed a quick shot of the smoothie selection before Media grabbed them all up!


Above: Close Up of my Pineapple, Banana, Mango Smoothie from Merenda Food Truck


Above: We were able to stroll to the Enid Haupt Conservatory while enjoying our smoothies and arrived to the sounds of live Brazilian Music!


Above: Opening Remarks, Media Preview Day, Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx, New York Botanical Garden, May 2019



Above: Left: Todd Forrest, Vice President for Horticulture and Living Collections at The New York Botanical Garden and Right: Raymond Jungles protégé of Roberto Burle Marx, and a Miami-based landscape designer, who was enlisted to capture the vision of his mentor and longtime friend, take Media through a walk through of the Modernist Garden where a recreated experience of strolling along the Portuguese stone mosaic of Rio's Atlântica Avenue boardwalk (which was designed by Burle Marx), which The New York Botanical Garden has recreated with painted asphalt with abstract, black and white waves.


Above: This fountain is replica of the artist's wall-sized concrete mural at the Banco Safra headquarters in Sao Paulo, Brazil.




Above: I even managed to nab video! You can hear Todd Forrest giving us an overview of the exhibit in conjunction with the sound of the fountain.


Above: Triangle Palm, Native to Madagascar, artist Burle Marx planted this tree throughout his estate carefully positioning each plant as a work of art

SPEAKING OF ART:



Above: Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Florida, Built 1999 -  2004

In the New York Botanical Garden - The LuEsther T. Mertz Library you will find art and special tapestries, Guest Curator Edward J. Sullivan introduced us to the exhibition and described the collection of curated paintings, drawings and textiles.

You know just how much I love EXPERIENCES, and the events this year at the Garden have included so many engaging activities, and this one was no exception, after we experienced the collection we got the opportunity to create our own art.


Above: In the The LuEsther T. Mertz Library we got the chance to create an azulejo, a style of painted tile that originated in Islamic Spain. Azulejos became a signature of Portuguese design in the 16th and 17th centuries often covering the walls of buildings. In colonial Brazil the decorative tiles also helped shield buildings from the heat and the humidity.


Above: Of course Ascending Butterfly needed to create a 'Butterfly Azulejo' and leave a piece of my creativity on the wall too! Here is a close up of my creation.


Above: First you got the closeup, now here is my Azulejo on the wall.


Above: A shot of others creating their Azulejos

Below: Be on the look out for quotes interspersed throughout the exhibits!


"Consider how each plant, possessing its own particular color, is enriched with meaning when juxtaposed with another color or another plant. In nature these relationships are not happenstance..." ~Roberto Burle Marx "Garden and Ecology" 1969

Schedule of events: https://www.nybg.org/event/the-living-art-of-roberto-burle-marx-2/

Opening Weekend: Saturday and Sunday, June 8 - 9, 2019

Ending: Sunday, September 29, 2019

WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York

My Take:

I have been visiting this New York City Landmark since childhood and have always been amazed at The New York Botanical Garden's amazing ability to take a space I know so well and continually transform it and reinvent it. Their exhibitions are imaginative and creative and this one is no exception.

Bringing a taste of Brazil to the Bronx was no easy feat with tropical trees arriving during a very cold and wet month of May. None died in transition, they proved to be much like the people who surround The New York Botanical Garden and live in it's surrounding community - strong and resilient!

Roberto Burle Marx led an amazing life, I was surprised to learn he started off as an Opera Singer, his journey from Opera Singer to landscape artist and ecologist is an interesting one. Much like the transition from caterpillar to butterfly don't you think? Starting off as one thing and then life turning you into that great thing you are meant to be.

I can't wait to see how this exhibition evolves and grows!

The official hashtag for The New York Botanical Garden Events this year is #plantlove so if you do attend the exhibit, please tag your photos with the official hashtag I would love to see them!

Little known trivia about me: I once worked with a VP in the Finance Industry much of his work took him to our offices in Brazil, the team there spoke both Spanish and Portuguese but very little English, and I spoke Spanish and English but very little Portuguese, over time we would teach other words and I was beginning to pick up a bit of Portuguese before I not only switched gears to a new job, but switched industries entirely.

I still have a love of Brazilian Music! I have not yet had the chance to visit Brazil and hope to remedy that soon.

READERS: Have you been to The New York Botanical Garden? Have you visited Brazil?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, this is an Event Recap and all opinions are 100% my own!  The love however is genuine, NYBG is one of my favorite places in New York City! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.