Monday I headed over to IFB Dress Up Soireé, hosted by Independent Fashion Bloggers. Talk about a healthy turn out – the line to get in extended practically the entire block. Yeesh. I knida wondered what kind of magical New York venue was going to be able to hold all these folks.

When I got inside, I discovered it really couldn’t. It was packed – so much so that a majority of attendees had to linger downstairs whilst the panel went on. I got in about halfway through Susie Bubble’s piece. I was kinda wedged behind the panel for the first half – hence the back shots. It did offer nice audience shots, though. Man, what a stylish crowd.

Due to the large crowd lingering downstairs, there was a lot of “shushing” occurring from those within earshot of the panel, as the bloggers speaking began to get drowned by the party breaking out below them. Add to that some microphone problems that cropped up several times during the event, and it was rather tricky to hear several parts of the panel. That’s saying a lot, since I was right behind them.

Space and technical issues aside, the parts of the panel discussion I was able to catch was great. It was wonderful to hear so much about the blogosphere and fashion straight from some of the most respected names in the biz. The discussion was broken up into two parts, and took a lot of questions from the audience. Topics were as varied as to where the panelists get their inspiration from, to how to handle PR agencies and copyright rules, to little things, like what kind of blog reader Susie uses (“Blog Lines,” I think).

By the second part of the panel, I was able to cram into the actual room the panel was being held in, which made it much easier to enjoy the speakers. I was especially stoked to hear from Helen Zhu of Chictopia, and Tricia Royal of Wardrobe Remix fame.

Unfortunately, due to the throng downstairs, much of the speaking in the second half was cut rather short. However, once the talk stopped, the party began! There was a heck of a lot of photographing and mingling occurring. However, I being the delicate, 9-to-6 flower, I didn’t stick around to long. Also, it’s a little mind-bending to see that many bloggers in such a contained, non-internet space.

All in all, quite a time!

Yesterday I kicked off New York fashion week by attending Nolcha Ethical Fashion Preview. It was a great gathering of eco-conscious independent fashion and accessory labels, set in the intimate environment of the Carlton Hotel.

Beauty VT was on hand, providing free self-applied makeovers using their interactive platform.

Sweet bloomers, a la Rene Geneva Design.

There were many designers there, but most notably were those with Bel Esprit, a company “committed to promoting new and emerging designers and helping retailers discover new collections and established brands not shown in their regional market.” This coat by Van Markoviec is everything I idealize in my clothing: well structured, a piece that adopts and embraces the draping of the material, rather than constraining it to its will. Simply stunning.

I particularly liked the work of Elena Garcia, whose separates in this collection were inspired by Queen Victoria and socialite Daphne Guinness. I just adore rumpled elegance.

Love the detailing in this lovely dress by Tammam.

This coat by Emesha is super-structured, but soft. Soft-structured?

All in all, a great little event.