Photography by Avi Gerver Photography
So y’all knew I went to New York during Fashion Week (recap coming soon), but did you know the main reason I traveled was to attend the Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration? Â Maybe it sounds cheesy on a fashion blog, but I go GAGA over that stuff… decor, interior design, DIYs, flower arranging, etc. Â I have a field day daydreaming about how my house or garden will look after I do (insert project here)!! Â But you know things are busy lately and so DIYs are lower on the to-do list. Â This was such a treat to attend the event!
We started with a breakfast at the Hudson Hotel and heard a few words from the new Editor-in-Chief, Stephen Orr.  I met TONS of fantastic people and got to catch with my Fort Worth friend, Grace from A Styled Story!  Isn’t it crazy when you “catch up” with your neighbor in another state?!
looking kind of insane talking to Grace
with Amy B, health & fitness director at BHG
We then headed off in groups to our different classes and sessions like digital branding, the truth about getting a book deal (never going to happen for me!), food styling, and creating video content.  My two favorites were the ones that were a little more hands on… Photo Shoot-worthy Flower Arranging and Styling the Perfect Holiday Table.
I could have spent the WHOLE DAY doing flower arranging! Â Matthew Robbins was the amazing instructor leading the class. Â I mean… he only writes for Martha Stewart weddings and has a book, Inspired Weddings. Â No big deal right?!
So, here are some flower arranging tips from the expert:
- Design in odd numbers for hero blooms
- Turn the container as you go to keep the arrangement balanced (if it will be seen from all sides)
- If not using tape, use chunkier stems at the base to create a grid.
- When photographing:
- Make sure the arrangement has a focal point
- Darker florals need lighter blooms for contrast to show up
- If you run out of blooms, arrange the floral to the camera (you won’t see the back)
There was so much eye candy in the table arranging session! Â BTW, Eddie Ross is my spirit animal!! Â I read his book, Modern Mix, in the airplane from cover to cover. Â It is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS and completely inspired me!!! Â He is doing a book tour and stopping in Texas next year. Â I’ll keep y’all posted on when and where!
at the end of the party swooning over Eddie’s book
Some table top tips from Eddie:
- Mix stripes and patterns! Â It’s like getting dressed!
- “Bitch it up”! Â Don’t let things be too precious!
- For large tables, substitute a king sized sheet or 2 twin sheets and a runner if you don’t have a tablecloth
- Changing colors of a candlestick will change the look of the table
I finally met Jen Ramos of Made by Girl.  We bonded over adoption two years ago when she was starting the process and I had just brought Little M home.  Sara of Style MBA was another style blogger at the conference.  We bonded over Celine bags! LOL!!  I really had such a fun time.
// wearing TIBI off the shoulder top, CAMEO culottes, ISABEL MARANT sandals {similar}, CELINE luggage tote //
You HAVE to meet my ridiculously funny and awesome roomie, Chelsea.  She is a DIY home and lifestyle blogger at Two Twenty One.  So, we met on facebook because she needed a roommate at the last minute (hers bailed) and I needed one because I AM LAST MINUTE!!  Voila, it was perfect.  And then there was the room.  We shared a cozy queen and there was this shower with a glass wall that was covered by a sheer curtain.  That’s the BEST when you meet someone 15 minutes before bedtime.  Luckily, she rocks and is cool (and not a serial killer) so all was good!
The conference ended with a Cocktail Party on the rooftop and guess what?!?! Â Brooke Shields, the September Cover model, made an appearance. Â Not gonna lie… Chelsea and I stalked her until we could say hello and get a pic! Â She is absolutely gorgeous and so sweet. Â I told her how much I loved her hot pink chairs which were her mother’s, and she gave the best smile!
// wearing NICOLE MILLER tutti frutti top, REBECCA TAYLOR culottes {similar}, REBECCA MINKOFF sydney bag //
Hope you enjoyed the recap! Â Stay tuned for tomorrow’s NYFW recap!
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I loved the pink chairs, too! But I’m sticking with my red furniture.
Love the floral top! You look so happy and I like your photo with Brooke
Thanks Mommo!! Love you!!
Love the pictures, really looks like an awesome event and yes flower arranging is also one of my faves.
@MeghanSSilva on Instagram
Meghan Silva recently posted…The SECRET to fool proof light fluffy scrambled eggs
Thanks Meghan!!! Yes, so fun!!
Oh you got a photo with Brooke! Cool!
Ever since the flower class, I’m obsessed with kale now. It just looks so pretty.
Julia@Cuckoo3Design recently posted…Cheap and Easy Queen of Hearts Costume
I know Julia!! Never thought about kale for an arrangement but it’s so pretty!!
And Chlesea and I basically stalked her to get a picture, but she was so gracious!!
The floral arranging class looks the most fun, but everything you got up to was pretty cool! I’m pleased you had such a great trip! :)
Mica recently posted…Corporate Style: Blazers, Colourful Pants and Printed Tops, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran Bag
Thanks Mica!! I feel like I need to “practice” flower arranging more often. Gives me an excuse to have beautiful flowers in he home! :)
OMG! I can’t believe that I forgot to include the part about the shower window in my post! We should’ve taken staged photos. Haha!
Chelsea @ two twenty one recently posted…NYC & Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration
Seriously!! LOL!! I’m surprised you didn’t include that shower pic!! #socrazy
[…] to the Michaelangelo Hotel to pick up my luggage and cabbed to The Standard where I stayed for the BHG Stylemaker Celebration. You can read about that adventure […]
[…] first to a Neiman Marcus x David Yurman preview event and then to meet Brook Shields at the BHG Stylemaker Conference. Â Honestly, I would have worn this Nicole Miller tutti frutti top every day if possible!! Â It […]