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

September 23, 2013

Brew Bash

September 23, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

Saturday, Coca-Cola Field was home to the Ballpark Brew bash. People from all over attended this event to taste a wide array of craft beers. While the weather didn't cooperate (and neither did some people), it was a great time out for those people who love their craft beer. -B

September 20, 2013

Friday Favorites

September 20, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

{ Amanda Catherine Designs }

After what has been a long week and as I approach a busy weekend, I'm looking forward to a few days out of town next week. Last night I learned of a tragic story that I can't seem to wrap my head around and all I can do is urge people to do good, help others and be kind. We live in a world that is filled with so much abuse, hate and violence and it really needs to be addressed. Everyone can make a difference and help others so the next time you see someone that needs help, try and help them.

Enjoy your weekend.

-B

I am disappointed I couldn't attend this great event at the Aquarium of Niagara last night, but there are many ways everyone can help out if you love animals and the aquarium: Winds. Waves. & Wine XIV

If you're up for a drive this weekend, Cuba, NY hosts there 9th Annual Cuba Garlic Festival

{ Yesterday Mercedes Benz of Buffalo kicked off Fashion week and the Ooo La La Fashion celebrated their one year anniversary of taking the streets of Buffalo }

{ I enjoyed a nice dinner and drinks at Rick's on Main in East Aurora this week }

September 19, 2013

Buffalo Links

September 19, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

This week is full of places to go and things to do. Check out the links below.

-B

Buffalo Fashion Week:

Today kicks off Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week! Check out the link to see what events are going on each day, starting today!

Curtain Up!:

Tomorrow is the kick off to Curtain Up! Welcoming all sorts of musicals and theater productions coming to town for the upcoming season!

Ballpark Brew Bash:

Consumers Beverages annual craft brewing event is being held Saturday at Coca- Cola Field. If you love craft beer check out Ballpark Brew Bash! Oh and proceeds go to one of my favorite organizations - Make-A-Wish!

Music is Art:

The 11th annual Music is Art Festival takes place this Saturday starting at 10am. Enjoy a nice Saturday out in Delaware Park listening to local musicians and looking at artwork for local artisans. Friday you can also donate any musical instruments you may not use anymore to the Instrument Drive. For more information go here.

September 18, 2013

Wednesday Wisdom

September 18, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

{ via Pinterest }

Today I thought I would share some words of wisdom. No matter what the situation is, there is always a lesson to be learned. Have a great Wednesday!

-B

September 17, 2013

{ Old Fort Niagara }

September 17, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

A few weekends ago (Labor Day weekend actually) I had the chance to visit Old Fort Niagara for the first time ever! Not only was I excited to see the fort, but I was able to go with my Dad and catch the War of 1812 Encampment. Lewiston is so beautiful, so walking around the fort and catching the sunset and boats in the water was an added bonus.

Both my Dad and myself enjoyed the fort and the show. It was nice father/daughter time out and anyone whether you are a history nerd or not would enjoy this amazing place and its right in our backyard.

If you're an educator looking to provide your students with a hands on experience in history this would be a great place to take them. The fort is also located inside a park, so if you are looking for a fun place to go on a date this would be great, set-up a nice picnic and then head to the fort after.

When visiting the fort make sure to wear comfortable shoes (such as sneakers) and be aware that if you are walking around the fort at night be cautious as there is little outdoor lighting walking from the fort to the parking lot.

Check out the Haunted Fortress event on October 19 and 26 here.

-B

[ Pretty Sunset ]

[ Getting ready for the show ]

[ That's a big drop down to the ground ]

[ Me and my Dad ]

September 16, 2013

Bird Island

September 16, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

Traveling over the Ferry Street Lift Bridge gives you access to the Bird Island Pier. This spot is popular mostly for fishing. The southern tip of Squaw Island is connected to a long, narrow stone pier that extends south under the Peace Bridge and into the mouth of the Niagara River. This pier has been rebuilt and the surrounding area is currently under construction. Bird Island Pier has been in existence since 1860. (Bird Island Pier Notes)

Driving past this pier frequently for work I was excited to finally have the chance to walk it a few weeks ago with my Mom and niece. It was overcast and a little windy, but a nice enough day to take a stroll on the pier and look at the Miss Buffalo and other boats that cruised by. Being under the Peace Bridge was pretty cool as well.

If you're ever looking for a place to take a walk or just relax check out Bird Island, there is construction going on, on site, but don't let that steer you away, once you hit the walkway you can't even hear the noise.

-B

September 13, 2013

Friday Favorites and Buffalo Links

September 13, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

{ A great ladies night out last week at The Lodge }

{ A work trip up North to Toronto this week was pretty awesome - first stop Mill St. Brewery in the Distillery District }

{ On field experience for a Major League Baseball game }

{ Who wouldn't take their picture with Mickey Mouse }

{ Even though they lost, football season is back - woohoo! #GoBills }

Links to check out this week:

Maritime Festival

This weekend at canalside

Buffalo International Horse Show

This weekend benefiting The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center

Women Who Move Buffalo Collage

The last six weeks I have been able to share stories from amazing women who are pursuing their dreams right here in Buffalo. I can't wait to share more stories from other amazing women in the area.

September 12, 2013

The Lodge

September 12, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the unveiling gala for one of downtown's newest and in my opinion, one of the best restaurants and bars on Chippewa - The Lodge. Bringing what feels like a touch of Ellicottville to the city of Buffalo, The Lodge is all class and no trash. Two levels with three different spaces all tying in with one another to create this ski lodge glow that embraces the Buffalo area for who we are. Antler chandeliers, tree mirages, a lounge area with fireplace, game room, Artic area and so much more, make this the finest venue I have ever seen on Chippewa.

What's that you say? You have a private function, like a bachelorette or cocktail party and don't know where to have it? The Lodge has you covered, having private areas that can accommodate up to 125 people.

And don't let me forget about the food, lettuce wraps, shrimp cocktail, veggie and fish tacos, venison, S'mores and so much more... the food was A-MAZ-ING, and I mean A-MAZ-ING! So many options are offered that even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something to please their taste buds. All thanks to the Head Chef, Fortune Macri.

The inspiration behind it; Peter Altholz and a bar in Florida.

The Lodge truly embraces the Buffalo area for what it is and where it is going. Everyone behind this project from the beginning and moving forward should be proud to bring one of the finest restaurants to the Chippewa District.

I was honored and excited to be able to cover the Unveiling Gala last week and to receive a tour from the General Manager Joe, the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is great and I had a great time out with my friends. With so many options, The Lodge is sure to please "Buffalonians."

"Like" The Lodge on their Facebook page to stay up to date on all the exciting things they have coming up.

The Lodge on Facebook

79 West Chippewa St. Buffalo NY 14202

-B

{ A special thank you to Annalise for letting me take part in this great addition to downtown Buffalo}

{ The Entrance Way }

{ Live Entertainment }

{ Downstairs Bar Area }

{ My lovely friend Kate striking a pose by the beautiful lounge area that has a fireplace }

{ Beautiful art work hangs from the walls leading to the 2nd level }

{ Upon walking up to the 2nd level you walk into the game area, featuring a pool table, ski ball (where you can win drink and food tickets), air hockey, old school TV's playing old cartoons and much more }

{ Two thumbs up for ski ball }

{ The balcony overlooking downstairs }

{ The Artic Area }

{ Private area that can be used for meetings, parties, etc. }

{ The 2nd level }

{ Shrimp Cocktail, Lettuce Wraps and more }

{ Its official, press passes! }

{ Great ladies night out }

{ The guy behind this one of a kind venue - Peter Atholz }

{ The creative crew who did everything from the lighting, carpentry, design and layout to the food }

September 11, 2013

9/11

September 11, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

{ NYC Skyline in the Summer of 2012 }

Like most Americans I will never forget where I was or who I was with 12 years ago today. Time seems to have flown by, but we should never forget those brave men and women who suffered in the smoke that day.

We should all have time to take a moment out of our busy days to be thankful for how lucky you are.

-B

{ Flag of Honor at Ground Zero }

September 10, 2013

South Pier

September 10, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

Located on Buffalo's South Pier sits the main Lighthouse built back in 1818. People from all over WNY and beyond can stop by and walk around the site. Street parking is located on Route 5 and a pedestrian walkway is located along the Coast Guard Station and Outer Harbor, giving you beautiful views of Lake Erie and Downtown Buffalo.

When I went for a visit it was a little cloudy and gloomy of a day, but that didn't stop cyclists and families from taking a stroll out to this historic landmark right in "their backyard."

For more information on the Buffalo Lighthouse or to make a donation to help preserve the area go here: http://buffalolight.org/home.html

And for more history on the lighthouse you go here: http://www.buffalohistoryworks.com/light/preservation.htm

-B

September 09, 2013

Home Opener

September 09, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

Monday's used to never bother me. Its the beginning of the work week, you can start fresh, set new goals, etc. but when the Bills lose it makes it a little harder to get going. The best thing we can do is be hopeful that next week's game will be better. Yesterday was the home opener at the Ralph and while it wasn't a blow out game like some may have thought, it still sucks to start the season out with a loss. Below is a recap of the game through some pictures I took.

Enjoy your Monday!

-B

{ A pre game photo collage }

{ A little sunshine }

{ People flying in }

{ Packed house }

{ Via Buffalo Bills on Instagram }

September 06, 2013

Friday Favorites!

September 06, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

This has been a short work week for me, but I'm still looking forward to a weekend with the Buffalo Bills Home Opener, getting a sneak peak of a new venue opening in downtown and hanging out with some friends I haven't seen in a while. Enjoy your weekend!

-B

{ A delicious chicken wrap at Taste in East Aurora }

{ Some fun décor sits at the entrance way of Taste }

{ A walk on Bird Island gets you up close by the Peace Bridge }

{ Yotality on Elmwood is an awesome place to go, but I think I like White Rabbits options better }

{ I was so excited and honored to get this email invitation yesterday to cover the Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week }

{ A new venue Crista and I stumbled upon earlier this week, more to come from this }

September 05, 2013

Buffalo Links

September 05, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

Links to check out this week:

{ The Arts }

Echo Art Fair - Buffalo Central Library (Downtown)

Albright Knox Art Gallery - M&T First Fridays at the Gallery

{ Social Gatherings & Entertainment }

The Lodge - Sneak Preview Party, Friday

Darien Lake Performing Arts Center - Last concert of the summer is this Saturday

{ Food & Drink }

Harpoon Brewery via Buffalo.com

-B

September 04, 2013

{ Women Who Move Buffalo } Kelly from Red Lantern Creative

September 04, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

{ "I love the people. For a large city we are as neighborly as a small town. There truly is no place like home. Plus I'm a huge Sabres fan."

- Kelly Conti, Red Lantern Creative}

This weeks woman who moves Buffalo is Kelly Conti, Owner and Designer from Red Lantern Creative. Red Lantern Creative was launched in January of 2011 and features everything from affordable wedding and bridal shower invitations, save the dates, to other custom cards.

After dabbling in all areas of print and web design Kelly knew her calling was in wedding stationery. Having the freedom to create art that is so meaningful and personal is what she loves. "It's the kind of job that makes me want to go to work everyday because I love what I do."

Red Lantern Services include}

Created to order wedding invitation designs which are unique and customizable

Custom Designs which include all celebratory cards

Logo/Email and Web Design services

Red Lantern specializes in hand drawn invitations so if the bride can dream it, Red Lantern Creative can create it. One thing Kelly does is, creates an invitation that is a true representation of the couple, because of this, there are no giant books of invitations to look through, which makes for a unique invitation showcasing who the couple is.

If you're planning a wedding, bridal shower or another special occasion and want a custom and creative invitation contact Kelly - she is truly a talented and creative woman who loves her hometown.

Red Lantern Creative on Facebook

kelly@redlanterncreative.com

-B

Images below are courtesy of Tiff Photography, http://tiffphotography.com/

September 03, 2013

Elmwood Festival of the Arts

September 03, 2013/ Beth Potozniak

A few weeks ago I stopped by the Elmwood Festival of the Arts and while its set-up is similar to the Allentown Art Fest (except in a different location) I found this festival to be more "kid and family friendly." With a section specifically called Kidsfest, parents could take there children to see animal shows and participate in crafts suited to their age. As I was walking around the main strip of the festival it was a nice chance to stop not only at local Artisans booths, but into local shops and boutiques who mostly hosted sales for the big weekend. It was a great way to support local business. There were also musical performances taking place throughout the weekend, so while you walked, browsed and shopped you had some entertainment along the way.

-B