Girls Night Out

Happy Saturday! I'm excited for a gorgeous summer weekend, and got to kick it off early at Shecky's Girls Night Out. I was invited to the event as a fashion blogger, so I was pretty stoked (I've been to Shecky's before to work with Jute & Jackfruit). It was fun to roam around as a shopper and take pictures.

Shecky's is pretty much a big fashion bazaar that takes place in cities across the U.S. Local and independent designers showcase their wares, and prices are slashed for the lucky shoppers. Boston's event takes place in the Cyclorama. As expected, the place was packed!

Jute & Jackfruit couldn't be there this time around, but I did happen upon another eco-fashion line, this one out of NYC: Eco-Soul. The pieces looked cool and I plan to investigate more in the future...

View from below: the ceiling of the Cyclorama (just for fun, in black and white):

Since it was crowded, it was tough to get an outfit photo inside. But I tried!

Dress: Wal-Mart (My 4th of July dress!)
Layering tank: Target, maybe?
Leggings: Forever 21
Boots: Payless
Fedora, scarf: Gap
Bracelet: Gift from mumise
Necklace: Borrowed from mumsie!
Purse: NY & Co.
Red bag: Shecky's Goodie Bag :)

More on the famous Goodie bag later! You might be wondering why in the name of all things summertime I was so layered up. In August! Weather-wise, it was a tempermental week (which is really the norm for New England anyway. At this point I shouldn't let it surprise me). That day, in particular, it was rainy and cold in my area all day. When I went into town that evening, the sun came out and heated up the rain-soaked ground... making all my layers seem rather superfluous. I think this will be a good look in February, though. :P

A few outdoor shots:
The sidewalks are brick like this everywhere in the Back Bay. I think it's my favorite Boston neighborhood. The little sunflower garden growing amidst all the brick was a lovely surprise. :)

So what's in a Shecky's Goodie bag, you might ask? All kinds of fun stuff!

The Goodie bag alone is worth the price of admission (though this blogger got in for free!). I was especially excited about the full-size "Yes to Carrots" hair mask and various vegan snacks: mini Larabars, Riceworks chips and more! Mmm...

I did make one little indulgent purchase at Shecky's: this vintage-y lace babydoll dress (it doesn't have a label, so I'm calling it vintage!):

A closeup of the pretty details. And once again, that's my mother's necklace. :)

I can't wait to style this! It's a little too warm out to wear now, but as soon as it cools down again, I'll pop this atop leggings and knee-high boots.

Shecky's should be back in Boston sometime this winter, and I hope to host another ticket giveaway. If you don't live in the area, be sure to check their website for Girls Night Out events near you!

I was afraid this might happen...

... My blog contest is a little too localized. Thank you to those who have entered so far! I'd like to extend the Shecky's giveaway until 5 pm today, so if you're local and haven't entered, please leave me a comment with your email address! I will let you know later tonight if you've won. In the future, I hope to have a clothes or accessories contest for my not-so-local readers. :) I'm blessed to have made connections with some fabulously fashionable gals from all over the world, and I'd love to show my appreciation for your readership with a giveaway that includes you, soon! Keep an eye out!

In other news, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention something about the passing of one of my beloved icons: John Hughes. It's been quite a somber summer, with him gone along with Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson... the entertainment and fashion world are hurting! I was a fan of Michael Jackson's music, though not his antics, and the sweet style Farrah rocked in the seventies, but writer John Hughes was especially near and dear to my heart. Like my fellow eighties babies, I grew up with his films, from the hilarious and adorable Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink to my favorite angsty-teen flick of all time, The Breakfast Club, and of course his many family-friendly comedies: Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Home Alone, The Great Outdoors, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, and so many more. His sweetly funny films have had a profound impact on my life... Not to mention my fashion sense!Here is my little tribute, all dressed up like an eighties era Hughes-muse...

Cardigan: BDG, Urban Outfitters

Dress: Pink, Victoria's Secret
Layering tank: Thrifted
Belt: Ann Taylor Loft
Ballet flats: Old Navy
Headband: No idea, but I wore it to my junior prom!
Necklace: Tiffany's

My version of the library dance in The Breakfast Club. Crank it up and dance along!

True story: these pictures are actually from last week. I wore this and took these photos with no idea that John Hughes had died (it might have been a day or two before). Their resemblance to any characters or fashions in his films is purely coincidental (though I did call this my "Breakfast Club" look). Well, that's all. But hey, wait, what are you still doing here? The blog post's over. You can go home now! What? You're already home. Ok, geez. Then get off the computer already and go outside! Do something! Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and take a look around once in a while, you could miss it. ;)

Shecky's Girls Night Out: Exclusive Giveaway!

Attention New England fashionistas: Ip & Audrey is proud to announce its first-ever giveaway, courtesy of Shecky's Girls Night Out!

Never been to Shecky's? Girls Night Out is a fashionably fabulous event where ladies can shop for one-of-a-kind finds from indie designers and boutiques from across the U.S., and for a sweet discount-- up to 75% off! You can also sample exclusive beauty treatments, games, and delicious cocktails and food pairings. Best of all, you'll walk away with a famous Shecky's goodie bag full of $100 worth of amazing products! Boston's August event is all about fall fashion; get ready to bid summer goodbye and embrace autumn in style.

The details:

Date: Wed.-Fri., Aug. 12th-14th, 2009
Time: 5pm-10pm
Place: Boston Center for the Arts - Cyclorama
539 Tremont St. (Clarendon & Berkeley Sts.) Tickets are $25-30 in advance, $35-40.

Or... if you're local, and at least 21, your admission can be FREE! It's simple; all you have to do is leave me a comment. :) Thanks to Shecky's, Ip & Audrey has a pair of tickets for two lucky winners (that's four tickets in all)! If you've won, I will send you an email confirmation. Enter for a fun night out on the town and a fabulous Goodie bag!

This contest will run until Sunday at midnight. By Monday you'll know if you've won!

I was happy to work with Jute & Jackfruit at the last Shecky's event in Boston this past winter. I hope my fellow NE fashion lovers and bloggers are able to make it next week!