Cocktails and Cuisine on the Patio - Rochester Blogger Network Launch

One week ago today, over forty local bloggers and writers gathered at Napa Wood Fired Pizzeria in the South Wedge to celebrate the launch of the Rochester Blogger Network.  Guests mingled, sipped signature cocktails, and were treated to an exclusive tasting menu created especially for the event.  

The energy on the patio was electrifying - so much local talent in one space.  I loved getting to know all of the bloggers and hear about the different genres and topics that Rochester writers are exploring.  From local happenings to fashion and parenting, to social commentary and tech, there was such a variety of interests represented.  What a great night!

Rochester Blogger Network Co-Founders:  Amy Riposo and Jennifer Sanzo

View More Photos from the Event Here.

To be able to bring together so many unique voices with so many important things to say was not only inspiring, but humbling as well.  The future is looking awfully bright:  there are so many great things in the works for the Rochester Blogger Network.  This is only the beginning!

As I sit here looking at these photos and thinking back to last week, all I can tell you is that I feel blessed beyond measure, giddy with anticipation for the future, and grateful to be a part of such an amazing community of writers!

I love this city!

Thanks to everyone who came out and for all of your support!

xoxo

Jenny
The Flower City Fashionista

The Rochester Blogger Network is the collaborative effort of Amy Riposo (Rochester A-List) and Jennifer Sanzo (The Flower City Fashionista) and is a place for local writers, bloggers, and businesses to connect and form creative partnerships. Members will receive advance access and discounts to educational seminars, networking events, and inclusion in our directory of blogs in the Rochester, New York Area.  Interested in joining?  Want more information or a gauranteed invite to our next event?  Email your name, blog url, and topic to bloggerhh@rochesteralist.com.

We are Launching the Rochester Blogger Network!

I can't be any happier to share this news with all of you:  Amy Riposo (Rochester A-List) and I (Flower City Fashionista) are creating a local network for bloggers and writers and we want you to be a part of it!

Please join us Wednesday, June 26 from 6:00-7:30pm at Nappa Wood Fired Pizzeria in the South Wedge for our first Blogger Networking Event!

Mingle with fellow bloggers and writers, share ideas, and find out about the best in Rochester from the people who write about it.

Enjoy drink specials and food sampling on the best patio in the South Wedge. Napa is creating an exclusive tasting menu and specialty drink menu for this event.

This is an RSVP only event. Bloggers, writers and those interested in blogging are invited to a pre-party 5:30-6.

RSVP on facebook and also via email to bloggerhh@rochesteralist.com.

Tickets are $5 and available at the door.
This event is co-hosted by Rochester A-List and The Flower City Fashionista.

Are you a blogger/writer? Be included in the Rochester Blogger Network. When you email your RSVP include your name, blog url and blog topic.

Please help spread the word!

Can't wait bring together Rochester's wonderful community of writers!

xoxo

Jenny
The Flower City Fashionista

Sewn Seeds - Some of the Best of Rochester

On Saturday, Amy Riposo, owner of Rochester A-List and I were prepped by Allora Salon and Spa's beauty team for Shop Peppermint's Sewn Seeds fashion show.  Our celeb-worthy beauty treatments included gel manicures with Kaitlyn, blow outs with Danielle, and makeup with Erin.  They really rolled out the red carpet for us, and come highly recommended.  Allora rocks!

Here we are all done up at Sewn Seeds:

Ms Amy Riposo
Owner of Rochester A-list

Wearing: skirt and necklace from Shop Peppermint, shirt from Marshalls, 

earrings from Loehmann’s NYC, and Chan Luu bracelet from Mann’s Jewellers

Me
The Flower City Fashionista
Rochester A-List Fashion and Beauty Blogger
Get my outfit details here.

The show was a fantastic collaboration that showcased some of Rochester's best talent.  It demonstrated the high caliber design and style lurking right in our own back yards.  Paris, Milan, New York, and now Rochester?  Okay, maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself, but why can't we be a hub of fashion, style, and design?  Shouldn't we pride ourselves in being a city that values creativity, craftsmanship, and the entrepreneurial spirit?  A city that supports its local fashion and art scene; who knows that we are bursting with talent and just waiting for the world to take notice?  I think we are DYING to bust out and be the city of our dreams... so let's do it!  We're all in this together - and that togetherness was never more evident than it was Saturday evening.  Seeing djs, designers, stylists, photographers and the like come together to celebrate local talent was so refreshing.   The overwhelming support from the local community demonstrated the need for MORE.  We are craving  more events like this one, more fashion, more art, more to do, more ways to express ourselves, and most importantly more people like Tanvi, who kick fear to the curb and inspire us to all to go for it, follow our dreams, and CREATE something.  Sewn Seeds was a celebration and it was truly inspirational.

Three local designers were featured, each of varying backgrounds, none of which was fashion.  It was so interesting to hear the stories of how each of their journeys lead them to design.  Sewn Seeds celebrated not only hard work and passion but also reminded us about the importance of the creative spirit, which is not all that separate from the human spirit.  Just think of what a sad, sad world this would be if it weren't for the artists; they add color to our world.

Please enjoy my photos from the show (all taken with my i-phone, so quality varies) and take a moment to celebrate the creativity, design, and entrepreneurialism that are all alive and well here in Rochester, New York.

Knitwear by Andrea Geer Designs:

Debut Collection by Josean Vargas:

Peppermint Collection by Tanvi Asher:

This was my favorite piece.  I need to buy it.  Now.

Finale

It was a fantastic afternoon of pampering followed by a well-executed, high-end fashion show, and VIP after-party at TRATA.  Nothing like experiencing all the best in Rochester in one day!

Were you at the show?  What was your favorite part?  And what did you take away from the experience?  What would you love to see emerge on the Rochester fashion and social scene?  Share your thoughts below.

xoxo

Jenny
The Flower City Fashionista

Camera Ready at Shear Ego

On Saturday I had the pleasure of going to Shear Ego Salon and Spa in Pittsford Plaza to test drive their special occasion hair and makeup services for Rochester A-List.

God knows I can use all the help I can get...

I walked in looking like this:

And walked out looking like this:

Necklace c/o Arwark

Isn't amazing what the right hair and makeup can do?

When I arrived, I was given the grand tour of the 18,000+ square foot salon, spa, and men's club.  I had no idea how big this place was.  This beautiful facility has a little something for everyone.  Whether you're a guys guy looking for a quick game of pool before a straight shave or a group of ladies looking for a mimosa-filled spa party with girlfriends, Shear Ego has got you covered.  I can't wait to go back and try out some of their spa services!  Don't worry, I'll be sure to write about that too, but for now let's get back to hair and makeup, shall we?

The first item on my agenda was an up-do with Valentina.  I left it up to her to do what she wanted with my hair.  I showed her a picture of the dress I was wearing that evening and made it clear that I didn't want to look like I was going to my 8th grade dance, but other than that she had free reign.  I wasn't disappointed with the side sweeping curls she had in mind.

She might be smiling back there, but I'm sure she was looking at the hair that I had slept on wet the night before thinking - this?  this is what I have to work with?  She never let on a bit though... what a doll!

Here I am getting my curl on:
 

What?  I don't have any makeup on yet!

This is what I really look like!
It takes A LOT of work to get this girl camera ready!

And the finished product:

After hair, it was time for makeup and lashes by Melissa.  Again, I pretty much gave her poetic license to do whatever she wanted aside from making me look like a drag queen.  Thankfully I was in very good hands.   Melissa used all Cargo products, was a complete sweetheart,  and I walked out looking every bit the lady.

I think one of the biggest wow factors of my makeup that night was the lashes.  Too many people are afraid of false lashes.  They really make your eyes pop.  Melissa used individual Ardell lashes with tinted glue to give me a seamless, natural look.  I absolutely love them.  While I definitely don't have the time to put on lashes for every day wear, I usually wear them for special occasions and events.   It was so nice to have someone else apply them for a change! 

Little, tiny miracles.

Can you believe the difference?!

You can't even compare the two!  The falsies look so natural, yet they really give that added oomph to my look, not to mention that they photograph really well.  Any time you want your eyes to stand out in pictures, lashes are the way to go.  And if you're too scared to apply them yourself, head on over to Shear Ego and have Melissa do them for you.  She is a lash master.

After two hours of being primped and pampered, I looked like this:

A far cry from this:

Yowzah!

After they indulged my need to take a few awkward #selfies in the mirror, they handed me my new client goodie bag (I love gifts!) and I was on my way home to get dressed for dinner.  

My new client welcome package included hair and skin care samples and
 a $25 gift card to use toward my next service!

You've heard the phrase "it takes a village?"  Well that applies to not only raising children, but also to getting a fashionista camera ready.  Don't get me wrong, I clean up pretty good on my own, but for a little extra pop on those special occasions, it definitely "takes a village" and Shear Ego is just the kind of village I need.  I would highly recommend having your hair styled and makeup done for the next special event in your life.  Updos and lashes aren't just for wedding and proms.  You only live once... why not look and feel your best?  And why not let Shear Ego help you do it?

Since I'm sure you're dying to know, here is the completed look for date night at 2Vine with my hubby:

Taylor Pink Bubble Dress c/o Lendperk
Sauvignon Blanc c/o 2 Vine
Hair and Makeup c/o Shear Ego
Best job ever c/o Rochester A-List

And for the rest of the month Shear Ego is offering some FABULOUS specials for A-List subscribers, but you have to get on The List to take advantage of these limited time offers.  Sign up for A-List and open up a world of fantastic spa deals here.

Love you like I love the red carpet treatment, 

xoxo

Jenny