Being A Little Crafty

Once or twice a month Modern Nostalgia  and Blue Collar Buffalo host a Makers class where guests can be crafty for a few hours after work. Last week my sister and I attended the class on how to make your own clutch. The class was $38 and included all of the materials, snacks and 15% off any purchase you made in the store that night. Oh and you could bring in your own wine or beer as well.

We received step by step instructions from Gretchen on how to put together your one of a kind item. The class was a lot of fun. Each class offers something different. If you like being creative and making your own things I highly suggest you follow Modern Nostalgia and Blue Collar Buffalo on the social media outlets and come to the next Makers class.

Create a stamp of your own.

-B

A trip on Hertel

I will say I don't get the chance to visit Hertel Ave. that much, but when I do I always enjoy walking down the street and visiting the local shops that reside there. One of my favorites to visit is Modern Nostalgia. I was on a mission to find a couple new pieces of clothing that I could wear multiple times as different looks and combine with pieces I already have at home. The store is so comfortable, I love the chic and rustic vibe it gives. And Morgan was great, she helped me pick out pieces that looked good and I was comfortable in. Definitely check them out when you're in the area or if you're looking for new pieces to add to your wardrobe. -B

{ Jasmine green tea from Spot and my Modern Nostalgia purchases }

{ I couldn't resist to snap a picture of this lovely Elephant jacket #trunksareup #goodluck }

{ This mirror in the dressing room is so pretty and the maxi dress on the hanger is so comfortable #feminine #chic }

{ You can always spice up an outfit with the right accessories and Mod Nos has a variety to choose from }

May {To-Do's}

{ Maxi dress from Ooo La La Boutique. Matt & Nat bag, you can find at Anna Grace on Elmwood. Stay up to date on the events I have coming up on my events page }

Happy Cinco De Mayo!! Today is a great day to celebrate some delicious margarita's at Cantina Loco! The month of May for me is a month to continue to get things done. By that I mean spring cleaning, organizing, traveling at the end of the month, training for the half marathon next month, trying new things & visiting new places {Newbury Street & The Boat House specifically} and kick starting a variety of events that are coming up throughout the summer that I have a part in.

What are some things you are looking forward to this month?

-B

Shop, Sip and Barre

Last week Annette and I paid a visit to one of my personal favorite shops Research and Design in Orchard Park. Barre Centric hosted a free Barre class {class was about 40 minutes long and they provided yoga mats for you} and you could shop new arrivals and get 15% off! Free cocktails and water were served as you shopped the barn. I've been seeing on social media a lot of local boutiques hosting a barre or yoga class and offering a unique, one-of-a-kind shopping experience. If you have the opportunity try and attend one of these "private" events. Its a great chance to visit a store you may not have gone to yet and receive a discount off. It also allows you to take an exercise class you may not have taken before for free. Its a good way to know if you'd want to come back again and sign up for more classes at the exercise studio.

-B

{People Who Move Buffalo} TT New York Head Designer Jimmy Lee

This week's People Who Move Buffalo Series is highlighting a local fashion designer from a locally owned boutique, TT New York. Jimmy Lee began his career at Taglis Tailor {a custom made clothing store for the 'elite'} after a few years Jimmy made the decision to head in a different avenue and in 2001 TT New York was opened as an upscale dress boutique. Jimmy has always been "into" fashion. He loves empowering women, dressing women and making them feel good in the clothing they wear.

TT New York stands out from the chain bridal and formal wear shops for a handful of reasons.

1. You can go into TT New York and buy off the rack. They are a fully stocked company. What you see is what you get. Other stores only have sample sizes and have to order the dress for you. Not TT New York.

2. Customer Service - the staff at TT New York is their for YOU! They are devoted to you, they help find the dress for any occasion and will go as far as putting the shoes on your feet for you.

3. TT New York has an event tracking system, so if you go in to their store and purchase a dress and register it in their system you can be certain no one at that special event you're going to will be wearing the same thing you have on.

4. They are a local store and give back to the community. And when I say give back I mean they give back. They are long time supporters of JDRF and also donate to a variety of other charities in the Western New York community. Being a locally owned company sometimes it is hard for people to donate to multiple events in the area, TT New York gets involved in as many things in the community that they can. Their staff sit on charitable boards and care deeply about the local community.

{ This is TT New York's 8th year doing Gowns for Prom. Out of the hundreds of gowns they receive from the community, TT New York donates an additional 100 of their own gowns to this great cause as well. For more information on how you can donate and help out click here }

TT New York is the #1 prom headquarters in the Western New York area, but outside of prom they offer so, so much more. Cocktail dresses, Mother of the Bride dresses, Evening and Ball Gown dresses, basically if you have special occasion - they got it! Hence their new tagline #DressesforAnyOccassion

One of my favorite clothing lines from them is the NikiBiki line - the dresses are great for that night out on the town or that important business meeting you have {just throw a blazer on over it}, the line is affordable and fashionable.. win-win!

Another line that I love is the JimmyLee Design Line. Its everyday wear for women. Jimmy gets his inspiration from major fashion cities and brings it back to his hometown. He uses really good fabrics and helps keep the line affordable by keeping the production here in the USA. The clothing is versatile which allows you to wear it more often.

If you're a last minute shopper TT New York has that designer dress for any occasion along with great customer service. They offer accessories to match and dresses from 0-30 making it that one stop shop for any woman!

Walking into TT New York the other day I was greeted by the one and only head designer himself who was helping a customer find a dress for their upcoming prom. He was polite, active, engaged, friendly and personable. Jimmy had a smile on his face the whole time I was at the store. You can tell he is such a caring person who genuinely loves what he does and loves this community. From the short time I met him I can tell he is highly involved and puts 100% into his work. I was honored to meet him and share his story.

{ "Buffalo Born. Buffalo Raised. Here to make Buffalo Proud" - Jimmy Lee}

TT New York is located in the Boulevard Mall and is opening their new store in the Galleria Mall this Saturday {2.15.14} on the lower level near the Starbucks kiosk.

Make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and their check out their website for all the up-to-date information.

-B

{ TT New York Boulevard Mall Store Location } { Hi-Lows are pretty popular this season }

{ I love the back on this dress }

{ One of the dresses I kept going back to in the store #lovethis }

{ Great for a night out on the town or that business meeting you have }

#BfloBridalExpo14

This past Sunday, the Seneca Niagara Casino and Event Center were hosts to over 3,000 brides, grooms and bridal parties from all over Western New York. The Buffalo Bridal Association held their ninth annual Buffalo Bridal Expo from 11-6pm. Florists, limousine companies, photographers, deejays, health and fitness vendors and bakeries were just some of the vendors in the wedding industry represented at this great event.

The Buffalo Bridal Association {BBA} was created over 25 years ago by Key Video Production owner, Michael Fantaske to do one thing, provide quality products and vendors to the brides. Brides go through three stages; 1. Excitement 2. Planning and 3. Fear. The BBA takes the fear out of the planning and brings the excitement back. All members of the BBA apply to be a member and go through an application process. You have to be the best of the best and if excepted into the association you sign a code of ethics, easing the brides mind knowing she can trust your services.

BBA's Bridal expo is the largest expo in the Northeast with 20 staff working around the clock to make this event the best it can be for those in attendance {that doesn't include the casino's staff and the BBA volunteers}. The BBA is there to tell you and provide you with the people you CAN trust, their the liaison between the brides and the vendor.

While walking around, each and every vendor was engaged with the potential "new" customer. They were inviting and sociable, handing out take home gifts and offering discount services if you signed up with them.  The event overall was informative and entertaining. Some of my favorite booths were;

• Toy Bros (Jeff and his team do amazing work!)
• Key Video Productions
• Zoladz limousine
• Floral Accents
• Status limousine
• Sweet Melody's
• Creative Beginning's Wedding décor
• Statler
• Ohlson's Bakery

You can find a complete list of vendors {over 150} that are members of the BBA here. Also, make sure to mark your calendars on August 24 for BBA's summer expo at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. And make sure to catch Wedding Planning Weekly on Sunday evenings on the CW 23.

-B

{ 2 fashion shows took place, showing off bridal gowns from Bridal Chateau and tuxedos from Tuxedo Junction }

{ Table centerpieces }

{ There was a masquerade theme at this expo }

{People Who Move Buffalo} Cretaceous Clothing & JK Media

One of the best ideas I have had to date was my {Women Who Move Buffalo Series} sharing with you women who have made the choice to stay in their hometown and pursue their dream. This year while I will continue that series, I am also expanding on it and introducing {People Who Move Buffalo} - sharing both men and women's stories of success and dreams all while staying local. With that being said, I'm very excited to kick off 2014 sharing two amazing guys stories with you. Zach Patton from Cretaceous Clothing and Jeff Kress from JK Media. Both driven, creative, ambitious, talented, hard working, the list could go on and on. These two men portray amazing personalities and work ethics that most people strive for.

Read more of my interview with them below.

-B

When did you go into business?

• Zach Patton (ZP): May of 2009 Cretaceous Clothing opened
• Jeff Kress (JK): November of 2012 JK Media opened

What made you go into the field you're in?

• ZP: I was a trendsetter back in high school and always enjoyed fashion so I opened my own clothing company. {95% of the clothes in his store are his very own designs}
• JK: Six years ago I picked up a camera and started shooting. Thought it was fun and self taught myself. I love the people I've met along the way.

What do you like best about Buffalo?

• ZP and JK: We both like the diverse group of people in the area and the diverse scenes around town.

How did you two meet?

• ZP and JK: In June of 2013 at the Vault through a mutual friend Jamie Catania. We started talking and throwing ideas back and forth and have been friends ever since.

What makes you stand out from your competition?

• ZP: Nobody does it the way I do, I have more to offer, hidden talents that you can't find anywhere else especially in the hip-hop scene.
• JK: I stop at nothing, I will always be there.

When I sat down with Zach and Jeff I immediately knew their life is their work. Two passionate guys who take the time to create quality clothing pieces and capture beautiful photos. Coming in February they will be selling a calendar that offers pictures (taken by Jeff) of clothing that Zach designed while showcases other local businesses ads throughout the months of the year.

Zach offers custom services for clothing - so if you're looking for a place to go for custom wear Zach and his co-worker Goose are the guys to visit. And if you have a special event, paintball tourney, wedding or anything you want captured contact Jeff with JK Media. He also helps in digital art and social media optimization {Both men are from Buffalo, NY}.

Cretaceous Clothing {2630 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo}

Cretaceous Clothing Website

Cretaceous Clothing Facebook

JK Media {Follow on Twitter @JKMedia716} 

JK Media Facebook

{ From L to R: Goose, Zach {Cretaceous} and Jeff {JK Media} }

{ JK Media Photography}

{ I am in love with this photo. Beautiful shot of City Hall in Downtown Buffalo }

{I think its pretty cool to have a photographer shoot a paintball tourney}

{ I love Zach's creativity and inspiration that portrays in his clothing;      "Lead Never Follow" }

{Post Holiday} Shopping Picks

Christmas has come and gone and now its time for the post holiday returns, exchanges and a little shopping for yourself. I have picked 5 places around town that I could quite possibly be at over the next couple days.

1. Research and Design in Orchard Park, NY {RD}. Rani and Dennis have awesome clothing and accessories - I'm sure you can find a New Year's Eve outfit there if you still need one!

2. The Winter Flea is happening at Room Buffalo {Room 2. Baby Room. Sprout} - for those looking for home and office furniture and décor make sure to check out one of their stores - you're sure to find something you will love for your home.

3. Free People of Buffalo {Galleria Mall} is having a post holiday sale. Take an additional 25% off on sale items.

4. While the mall is going to be insanely busy the next few days, down a few store fronts from Free People of Buffalo in the Galleria is Anthropologie, they to, are having a sale of an additional 25% off sale items.

5. I couldn't not end my picks to shop without adding my favorite boutique on Elmwood Ave. I can always find something at Anna Grace. Whether its pants, tops or accessories their is always something that catches my eye.

While some of you may be "shopped out" some stores are offering great sales that you can't pass up. Now's the time to enjoy the discounts!

Happy Shopping!

-B

#DTH13

Saturday night the Knox Mansion in East Aurora was home to 200 people who attended the Deck the Halls for Main St. Runway holiday fashion show, all to benefit the Hunter's Hope Foundation. The evening included hair and make up artists from a variety of suburbs helping glam our models for the main event. Food from a variety of local East Aurora eatery's including the wonderful Swirls, Taste, Rick's on Main St., Del Arueo's, Medici House and Arriba. Also, participating in the event were a variety of vendors. A special thank you to Total Tan and TT New York for all that you did.

The evening was kicked off with the Foxy Diamondz performing dance numbers for the crowd. Once started Crista Botticello, owner of Ooo La La Boutique and Lauren Hall from Winging It! Buffalo Style co-hosted the show. Fashions were seen from Cameleon, Ragamuffinz, The Walk In Closet, {guest boutique} Abalie Lingerie, The Dress Shop and Ooo La La Boutique with a special section of recycled material designs from the students at Villa Maria College.

The night was a huge hit that brought a community together during a busy holiday season to raise awareness about an important cause that is close to a lot of Buffalonian's hearts. It is really rare to see people in this day and age put aside differences, but on Saturday night the East Aurora community did just that. There is power in numbers and I have noticed myself saying this a lot more lately, but one person can lead by example. It only takes one. Can you imagine what this world would be like if we had more people working together than working against each other? I guess I can always hope.

In the meantime, if you attended the event or want to see pictures check out all the social media outlets and search for the #DTH13 and Ooo La La Boutique.

-B { Ooo La La Boutique }

Monday Morning WrapUp #PushGo

Today on the Monday morning recap I'm talking fashion and local business from the Elmwood Village. Over the weekend I attended the Mass Appeal show at the Pierce Arrow Building. It was my first time attending the very popular fashion event that I've always heard things about. It was also my first time inside the Pierce Arrow Building; it was a neat building I liked the look of it and it fit with the theme of the show, urban trendy, it had an old factory look type thing going on.

I thought the overall show was good, it was like any other fashion show I've attended, it was entertaining and creative, but it didn't "wow" me. I thought the VIP area was minimal and could have been more elaborate, but I did like the displays of designers work on manikins and the fact that you could talk with the designers about it. I also do like the comradery from the Elmwood Village- boutiques, designers, restaurants all coming together to put on an event to raise money to better their neighborhood. It shows the sense of community in the area and its a night for everyone to showcase their talents, put aside any differences and support each other. After the show buffaBlog hosted an after party - we didn't stay to long after the show ended, but we were able to catch the aerial acrobatic person who was performing over the stage. It was a nice touch to see when walking out.

If you attended what did you think? Did you enjoy, not enjoy, let me know your thoughts.

-B

{ VIP Area }

{ Buffalo links }

 

Buffalo Links to take a look at this week:

1. An event for the ladies - hosted by Kaleida Health, enjoy a Night of Indulgence

2. All of us have had or probably know someone who has been to Hospice, Friday they celebrate their Harvest Festival - if you enjoy wine you'll enjoy this event

3. Halloween is approaching quickly and with that come Halloween parties like the Knights of St. John's on Saturday - Halloween Dance

4. Being in Ellicottville this past weekend made me really get into the "Fall" season. They have great places to shop and eat. One of my favorite stores was Kazoo II

5. I was so happy when I saw this article online and found out Gabby from After 5 Events had a hand in the couples special day! Congrats pretty lady!

6. Swirls in East Aurora is amazing!!! Congrats to Mike on creating a great café for anyone to enjoy!

7. Just another pair of shoes I'm obsessed with by Bella Belle Shoes, who by the way make their shoes locally here in Buffalo. You can purchase these online or get them at Ooo La La Boutique

8. The Buffalo News had a good article on the Fort Erie Race Track Tuesday. Since being around for 116 years the track had its last race of the season Tuesday and hope it will be around for years to come.

Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week

Last Thursday kicked off Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week (MBBFW), this past weekend I had the opportunity to sit down with Stephanie Brochey (Press Coordinator) and Lizzy Dugan (Beauty Director). Below is my interview.

BP: How long has MBBFW been around?

SB: This is the fifth year and its my third year being a part of fashion week.

BP: What is your favorite show of the week?

SB: The Villa Marie Show featuring Chris Palu and the Main Runway on Thursday featuring Marc Ella (Marc and I attended FIT together).

BP: What are you looking forward to this year at fashion week?

SB: The Runway shows at the Statler and connecting with people and being with friends.

BP: For someone who is attending fashion week for the first time do you recommend them seeing a certain show?

SB: It depends on your interests, if you like local boutiques, you should check out the local boutique show at the Mansion on Delaware on Tuesday. If you like swimwear or more high end fashion the Main show on Thursday night is the show to see.

BP: What should someone wear when attending a fashion show?

SB: Be creative, I encourage people to go all out because fashion week is the place to do it.

BP: How many people work behind the scenes for MBBFW? When does planning start?

SB: Core people are between 12-20 people, from hair stylists, backstage coordinators, volunteers and assistants. Planning usually starts around April and goes into full speed in July.

BP: What is your must have/favorite piece of clothing right now?

SB: Tulip skirts, there simple, comfy and easy to dress up.

{ MBBFW on Facebook - Boutique Show Tuesday 9.24.13 }

{ Lizzy Dugan, Beauty Director MBBFW }

BP: How many years have you been involved with MBBFW?

LD: Three years

BP: How long have you been in the industry? What is your role at MBBFW?

LD: 13 year in the industry and my role at fashion week is Beauty Director.

BP: What is you favorite show during fashion week?

LD: The Main Show at the Statler on Thursday evening.

BP: If people want to schedule an appointment with you where can they find you?

LD: My website www.lizzydugan.com or my Facebook page: Elizabeth Dugan Hairstylist and makeup Artist

BP: The Beauty Expo is a new edition to MBBFW this year, can you tell me more about the expo?

LD: The Beauty Expo was a great addition this year, it allows people to attend a hair show and branch out, try new services, meet new salons and it also was an opportunity for salons to meet new clients and motivate attendees to try new things.

{ Lizzy demonstrating how to do a fish tail braid }

{ Annette after Lizzy was done with her fishtail braid }

{ Not only did I get a press pass I got a manicure just in time for my trip to NYC this week }

{ Cheers! Mimosas and Wine }

{ Lizzy doing knots in my hair }

MBBFW WEBSITE

The Beauty Expo was a lot of fun and a great addition to fashion week this year. If you have the opportunity to see any of the remaining shows going on this week you should go. I attended last year and they were a great time and I got to meet a lot of talented people. If you love fashion, beauty, or just want to experience something different click on the link above.

-B

{{ Women Who Move Buffalo }} Gina from Purse Sona

This weeks Woman Who Moves Buffalo is Gina Hammer from Purse Sona which is located in East Amherst, NY.

Working for 11 years in the automobile industry, Gina decided to pursue her dream of owning her own boutique when her daughter was born. Having a degree in Business Fashion and Merchandising, she opened Purse Sona in July of 2010. Specializing in women's designer purses and accessories along with a wide array of gift items for women and items for younger children, Purse Sona hosts "Big Girl Parties" for women who are looking for something fun and unique to do.

Gina loves Buffalo because of the people.

"It's a great place to raise a family and people are so friendly. It's nice to go places and 9 out of 10 times you run into someone you know. I'm so blessed to call it my home."

Purse Sona

4790 North French Road

East Amherst, NY 14051

Purse Sona on Facebook

I had the privilege of working with Gina a few months ago and she is wonderful! One of the nicest people I have met. She loves meeting new people and putting on great events for her customers. If you are ever in the area or looking for the special gift for that person who love accessories, go visit Gina at Purse Sona.

xo

-B

Women Who Move Buffalo

  Back in March I did a week of posts that highlighted young women in Western New York that love the area and have decided to pursue their dreams in their hometown. So I decided to start a new series on Wednesday's that showcases women who move Buffalo.

Today's post takes us to the ever so sweet and talented Lexie Furlong and Vicky Schaffstall, owners of Blush. Blush is a women's clothing and accessories boutique that opened last week Friday on Elmwood.

Back in 2005 Lexie was a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), after graduating she continued her work as a director of ecommerce and an assistant buyer for Wink and the W Hotel stores. During this time she had the opportunity to style celebrities in the store and for photo shoots. It was also during this time at FIT and Wink that Lexie really learned that her passion and Dream was to own her own store.

Born and raised in Buffalo, she is back to stay, Lexie says "people from Buffalo leave, but they always come back. I love my family, friends and the people in Buffalo. We really are the most caring people. The people of Buffalo support one another and come together with talents to create masterpieces throughout the city."

Blush specializes in customer service and making women feel pretty, when you visit Blush you will feel comfortable and shop freely, you can ask questions about the products, and enjoy your shopping experience.

If you have a birthday or a special occasion you want to celebrate, Blush offers Blush Bashes for you and your friends and family, where you can host your own party in the store and receive that one of a kind shopping experience, you don't get anywhere else.

Be sure to keep an eye out for a grand opening celebration in September, (I have a feeling it may be a part of Buffalo Fashion Week).

Blush is located at:

1005 Elmwood Ave.

Buffalo, NY 14222

{716} 768.0110

info@shopblushny.com

Shopblushny.com

Blush on Facebook

{ Co-Owners Vicky Schaffstall and Lexie Furlong }

{ Fruit water, offered to guests }

{ One of the many congrats and good luck flowers that were sent to the store }

{ My purchases from my shopping experience at Blush }

Tidbit: Bring back the Blush bag and you receive a discount off your purchase for being a returning customer

" Buffalo holds all my favorite memories, never stop making memories dolls. xo"

- Lexie Furlong

During my visit to Blush I could really feel the dedication, passion, and love Lexie and Vicky have for their store, you don't find that everywhere you go.

Thank you Lexie and Vicky for being wonderful women and opening an exclusive clothing boutique that Buffalo women will love. It was a pleasure meeting you!

-B

A Fashion Show for Local Designers

Crista Botticello, owner of Ooo La La Boutique and Ooo La La Fashion Truck puts on a handful of fashion shows throughout the year, one of the best ones is the Local Designer Show. This show features up and coming designers who live in or have studied fashion in the Western New York area. For the summer show that took place this past weekend, the designers included were: Danielle Nieder, Nancy Celeste, Rachel Hamerski, Emily Lyon, Holly Henderson and swimwear designer, Marina Pascale. To learn more about any one of these designers you can check out Ooo La La Boutique's Facebook page: Ooo La La Boutique

A big thank you goes out to all the designers, hair stylists, photographers, models, customers, volunteers, friends, family and guests in attendance.

-B

:: Pre-Show Set-Up ::

:: Cupcakes from Swirls ::

:: Ooo La La Models Backstage ::

:: Crista and myself after the show ::

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS CAPTURED FROM THE SHOW GO TO

RICK WARNE PHOTOGRAPHY

Bloodline Handmade Launch Party

Last week I was given the opportunity to attend the Launch Party for a custom made men's tailoring company that has come to Western New York, Bloodline Handmade.

Taking place in the elegant and sleek Lexus Club at the First Niagara Center, politicians, assemblymen and community supporters were in attendance.

Bloodline Handmade is made up of the team- Jason Blood, Adam March and Dan Valentine all of whom believe in Buffalo and are bringing change to WNY and taking men's clothing to a whole new level.

The words grace and style in Buffalo were mentioned in speeches. Keeping the manufacturing local and offering reasonable prices targeting men of all ages and professions, Bloodline Handmade is providing an opportunity for men to have custom, handmade garments made to their specifications all while creating a one of a kind piece.

Bloodline Handmade is just getting started -already having a large client base through word of mouth, they are now partnering with J. Norman Men's Shop located in the Tony Walker Plaza. One things for sure, these talented men are turning heads in Buffalo.

Bloodline Handmade on Facebook

-B

:: Senator Mark Grisanti with Adam and Jason ::

:: View of the Harbor from the Lexus Club ::

My Favorite Buffalo Links

One of my favorite bloggers (Emily Schuman from Cupcakes and Cashmere) recently started a series called Links I Love. It gave me an idea to share the links from local Western New York businesses that I like, this week I'm highlighting my favorite clothing/fashion boutiques. What are your favorite shops in town?

-B

FASHION/CLOTHING

Ooo La La Boutique

Anna Grace

Modern Nostalgia

Research and Design

In The Buff Shirts

Shoefly

Bella Belle Shoes

Ms. Eye Candy

Clementiny Clothing

Made by Anatomy

A_dot_tees

Refresh!

Last week my Mom and I went to the Refresh event that was held at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens. The event was put on by Buffalo Spree and all the proceeds from the event benefited the Botanical Gardens. It was full of flowers, unique fashions (kudos to Erin Habes for the fashion displays - they were awesome), plants, beauty and healthy living. It was a nice evening out to spend some time with my Mom. If you ever have a chance to visit the Botanical Gardens, you can make a day of it; take in the beautiful plants, flowers and scenery and enjoy a nice picnic in the park afterwards.

Check out more photos that I took at the event below

-B

Antique and Flea Market Shopping

Unique Finds

You've heard that saying “one persons junk is another persons treasure,” while I've never been antique or flea market shopping before and recently I've been more and more curious of checking these type of markets out so this past weekend with the weather being beautiful I took a trip out to the Antique World & Flea Market on Main St. in Clarence NY. Open year round this place is full of wonderful knick knacks and vendors. While I was out shopping I learned a few helpful hints that may help you as you venture through the world of Antique and Flea Market Shopping:

1. Bring a Canvas Bag - This is for things you purchase. It holds fragile pieces better than plastic or paper bags.

2. Comfortable Walking Shoes and Clothing- You’ll be able to bend down and move things easy with comfortable clothes and walking shoes on.

3. Bargain Shop- Purchasing multiple items that are the same could save you some money if you negotiate with the seller. I purchased 4 similar bottles (originally $5 each and the seller gave me them for $15 instead of $20).

4. Have an Open Mind- You don't have to be creative when it comes to antique shopping. Most of the pieces have so much history in them that they speak for itself.

Other places I heard good things about are:

Coo Coo U

John Marfoglia Antiques

Reimagine

(if you're a Bride on a budget and looking for that "country chic" décor antique shopping is a good option to explore).

-B

Fashion Fun

This past weekend Crista and I attended Runway 6.0 at Buffalo State College. The fashion show showcases students (senior designers) in the Fashion Technology Program at the College. This year the theme was City Bits City Bytes. Money raised from this event goes to the Fashion Technology Scholarship Fund. This year it was brought back to campus and took place inside the Campbell Student Union. It has been a few years since I've graduated from Buff State, so being back on the campus for the show was nice. I was able to see some of the renovations that have taken place and see how the College is advancing in a variety of different avenues. Overall, the show was good. The students in the program are talented, creative and one-of-a-kind.

For more information on Runway and to see pictures click here

-B