Thank you. That seems like the perfect place to begin. Thank you for reading. Thank you for voting. Thank you for your support.
The second-annual Saint Louis Fashion Blog Awards were held last night, and Oh, Julia Ann was named People’s Choice winner for Best Budget Blog, Best Written Blog, and Best Lifestyle Blog.
Oh. My. God.
Now, before I begin my probably-uncomfortable attempt at a proper thank-you let me tell you about the out-of-control event. The awards were held alongside FABRIC, the Saint Louis Fashion Week kick-off party, at the new Public Media Commons in Grand Center. Guests were entertained not only with the state-of-the-art features of the venue—Ahem, can you see the huge screens below? There are four unpictured!—but a fashion presentation by Grace Kubilius, pop-up shopping from August Abroad and Shirt Kong, light bites, Pinnacle cocktails, Sara’s Social Booth and more.
Currently wearing… Shirt, M Missoni, Off Fifth [SOLD OUT/haven’t found anything similar yet…/PS: This is the other free item from the crazy Off Fifth B1G2 free sale!] | Skirt, H&M [SIMILAR] | Shoes, Vince Camuto, DSW [SIMILAR] | Chain necklaces, mix of DIY and Lia Sophia [SIMILAR-ish… Just mix a bunch of necklace chains!] | Locket, Fable & Lore c/o ALIVE Magazine [HERE] | Earrings, Forever 21 [SIMILAR] | Purse, second-hand | Bracelet, CARA, Nordstrom [SIMILAR] | Cuff, vintage
Then came the award ceremony. Amazingly, I was more awkward than last year. I was given about three seconds to prepare for an acceptance speech, so I decided slamming liquid bravery before standing was smarter than trying to map out my words. I still (for the most part) stand behind this decision, but there is a 50/50 chance that I said, “Thank you; while I don’t much appreciate being put on the spot—*smirk and chuckle to emphasize humor and show you’re not an asshole*—I do very much appreciate this award,” OR “Wa wa wahh wah wa wa,” like a Charlie Brown grown-up. Regardless, there are a million things I would have said if I had thought about it for more than three seconds, or if I was better at public speaking. First and foremost, I write because I’m better on paper, simply put; even then, I’m far from perfect, but I’m going to try my best. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Knowing that what I do is appreciated by those who read it means the world to me. This blog has been so fulfilling, so rewarding, so fun—it is more than I could have ever expected, and I am so glad to have you along for the ride. I will do my damnedest to keep producing the quality (and, although sarcastic and self-deprecating, apparently well-written) budget and lifestyle content I love and you apparently also enjoy. Thank you. Thank you so much.
Now, before I get too weird, on to some photos. Our awards (for the female winners, at least) were made by local company August Abroad. It is a beautiful, hand-stamped Missouri charm featuring the hashtag #STLFBA. Winners of more than one award received a key charm to wear alongside it. I’m so proud to have the three together.
I can feel myself getting into the awkward thank-you cycle again. I should stop while I’m ahead. Photo time.
On a hilarious note, these photos were taken today, which means I guess I’m on a huge metallic kick, as these two outfits are eerily similar considering one is a tunic and the other is a peplum blouse and jeans. Ha!
This has been a fantastic weekend, and it’s still early on Saturday night. With a kick-off party this good, it’s a safe bet to say the STLFW Fall ’14 season will be spectacular. I can’t wait until the next event in October. Until then, I’ll probably be here, staring at my necklace in total disbelief.
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