Welcome to AwesomeCon!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
AwesomeCon is DC's only generally geeky conference (that I'm aware of) and this year things were a bit of a whirlwind, for both good and bad reasons.
Even though this is only the 2nd year of this convention, organizers were predicting 30-40,000 people to attend, a significant step up from the 7,000 last year. I think part of that prediction was due to the pretty fantastic actors they had headlining the event (Billie Piper, Cary Elwes, Sean Astin, etc,) and from the looks of the massive line outside the convention center Saturday morning, I think they were pretty spot on. Unfortunately it didn't seem like predicting that number actually did a whole lot for how the crowds were handled.
I picked up my badge Friday afternoon, but when I arrived on Saturday the (badly managed) line was wrapped multiple times around the building - full of people who had prepared but needed to pick up their badges. Now I understand that lines are a way of life at cons, but there were ribboned lines inside the building standing empty. Hundreds of those people could have been shuffling in a significantly more controlled fashion in an area that had already been cordoned off for that purpose. I can only imagine the staffing issues that I guess maybe contributed to that problem but it was super sad to see all those people standing outside, super confused, when if they had just been moved to the set aside area inside it could have been much easier.
Shrug.
The panels themselves were hit or miss. The ones with good moderators staffed by experienced actors or speakers were great, but others ended up being titled incorrectly and/or dry for audience members. I think this will improve in time as organizers are able to be a bit more discerning about who they chose to man panels, but for goers like me who are used to the professional DragonCon standards, I can't say they were completely top notch.
Despite all that 'eh' stuff I don't write any of it to honestly deter you from going. It's not that expensive as far as conventions go, especially if you live in the area, and the merchandise room and celebrities available for autographs is much improved. Ultimately I think you should pick your battles. Check the schedule, decide if multiple day or singular day passes would be better. I almost regretted my 2-day pass until some awesome things happened (a great panel, meeting Nicholas Brendan AND Kevin Sorbo) but I'm still glad I went. People were happy to be there, a lot of them in costume, and the general tone was jovial. It was fun! Just no perfect - not that we should expect life to be perfect all that often (or ever, lol).
mint & blue
Monday, April 21, 2014 • Anthropologie, eShakti, Eva Zoe, Forever21, Kate Spade, Target
I think Atlantic-Pacific definitely has the right idea when it comes to sunglasses for outfit photos. Suddenly I feel chicer and my inadvertent resting bitch face doesn't look quite so bitchy.
In other news I am desperately trying to find nude pumps for Spring/Summer. These platform peep toe shoes from last year are a good option, but I want something closed toed in preferably an almond or pointy shape. Like most black/mixed women finding shoes in the right shade of "nude" is a job in and of itself so wish me luck!
Oh and before I go, one note on this skirt - I wasn't paying attention to the website when I ordered this, so I didn't notice the stretch panel on the back of the waist. It's got enough give that I definitely could have sized down (I'm wearing a Large/14 here) so keep that in mind if you decide to pick on up for yourself.
In other news I am desperately trying to find nude pumps for Spring/Summer. These platform peep toe shoes from last year are a good option, but I want something closed toed in preferably an almond or pointy shape. Like most black/mixed women finding shoes in the right shade of "nude" is a job in and of itself so wish me luck!
Oh and before I go, one note on this skirt - I wasn't paying attention to the website when I ordered this, so I didn't notice the stretch panel on the back of the waist. It's got enough give that I definitely could have sized down (I'm wearing a Large/14 here) so keep that in mind if you decide to pick on up for yourself.
Top: Target (same top as this one but in mint) ~ Skirt: eShakti ~ Belt: Anthropologie (similar on Ebay) ~ Shoes: Eva Zoe ~ Necklace: Forever21 ~ Bag: Thrifted ~ Sunglasses: Kate Spade
stripes & floral
Friday, April 18, 2014 • Anthropologie, Gap Outlet, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Nine West, OOTD
Friends, I'm a wee bit concerned. Usually I lean towards interesting florals in all over pieces like dresses but this top from Anthropologie is one of my new favorite things. It's bright and fun and already perfect in and of itself because of the stripes plus floral combination. I don't need an excuse for more of either in my wardrobe but we shall see....
Top: Anthropologie ~ Jeans: Gap Outlet ~ Trench: Michael Kors ~ Shoes: Nine West (similar) ~ Sunglasses: Kate Spade
work life
Wednesday, April 16, 2014 • Eastern Market, J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Kate Spade, Nine West, Old Navy, OOTD
Working a 9-5 means that a lot of my clothes and outfits have to be office appropriate. Now I'd be the first one to admit that I wander above and below that line when the mood strikes me, but this particular look surprised me by feeling right for work and life. The jean jacket dresses down the pencil skirt, which being seersucker is already a bit different than my typical choices, plus the flats and purse means I could get around in comfort and style. Yay!
Jacket: Old Navy ~ Top: J.Crew ~ Skirt: J.Crew Factory (also worn here) ~ Shoes: Nine West ~ Purse: Kate Spade ~ Necklace: Eastern Market
old but new
Monday, April 14, 2014 • ASOS, Gap Outlet, Kate Spade, Nine West, OOTD, Peter Pilotto x Target
When I bought this sleeveless trench from ASOS last year I got almost no time in it. DC rapidly went from a cool Winter to a scorching Summer and pieces like this, perfect for Spring and early Fall, just weren't practical when I was dying from heat stroke. I've managed to pull it out a couple times this year though and I couldn't be happier - it's like buying something new without all the immediate monetary commitment!
Trench: ASOS (similar here and here) ~ Top: Peter Pilotto x Target ~ Pants: Gap Outlet ~ Purse: Kate Spade ~ Shoes: Nine West (thrifted)
lavender
Friday, April 11, 2014 • ASOS, Gap Outlet, Member's Only, Nine West, OOTD
Sometimes I buy pieces because I fall in love with how it looks on or how it fits into my existing wardrobe.
And sometimes I buy lavender jackets because they're on super sale and the perfect shade for sorority events.
And sometimes I buy lavender jackets because they're on super sale and the perfect shade for sorority events.
Jacket: Member's Only (also available here) ~ Top: Gap ~ Skirt: ASOS (also worn here, still available in coral and black) ~ Shoes: Nine West
transitionally inclined
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 • Anthropologie, HandM, Nine West, OOTD, Target
Spring has started to make itself known in DC, but while it's still taking hold tights and a good multi-fabric cardigan (the sleeves are faux leather) are helping me stay warm on chillier days.
Dress: H&M (similar in black, also from H&M) ~ Cardigan: Anthropologie (recent but I can't it online) ~ Tights: Target ~ Shoes: Nine West ~ Belt: Hong Kong
all the things
Monday, April 7, 2014 • HandM, J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Nine West, OOTD
Sometimes I put together an outfit by throwing all the things I love into one look and hoping and praying it works out.
In this particular case I would say we're at about a 85% success rate because I'm not completely sold on the crop pants + leopard shoes.
In this particular case I would say we're at about a 85% success rate because I'm not completely sold on the crop pants + leopard shoes.
Top: H&M (also worn here and here) ~ Turtleneck: J.Crew ~ Pants: J.Crew Factory ~ Shoes: Nine West ~ Belt: Hong Kong
vacation dreams
Friday, April 4, 2014
I've decided that life's too short not to enjoy it once in a while so at the end of this month I'm going with a friend of mine to Puerto Rico. We're still planning exactly what to do and wear to stay (so if you have any good suggestions please let me know!) but the idea of actually being somewhere that's sunny AND has easily accessible beaches? Heaven.
accessorized
Wednesday, April 2, 2014 • ASOS, Gap Outlet, Joseph A., OOTD, teen flo, The Limited, What to Wear
Now I'm not exactly sure what this week's What to Wear theme was supposed to mean, but I took the word "accessorized" and decided to showcase an outfit that's simple but more complete due to the little touches I chose to finish it with.
The watch, the rings, the scarf and bag - all together they've created a(n incredibly) preppy and sophisticated look that's great for work but transitions to night and weekend activities quite easily. The turtleneck + shirt + blazer combo is warm enough on its own, especially in early Spring, and if the temperature drops on you too suddenly, just throw a coat on top!
The watch, the rings, the scarf and bag - all together they've created a(n incredibly) preppy and sophisticated look that's great for work but transitions to night and weekend activities quite easily. The turtleneck + shirt + blazer combo is warm enough on its own, especially in early Spring, and if the temperature drops on you too suddenly, just throw a coat on top!
Blazer: teen flo ~ Shirt: The Limited ~ Turtleneck: Joseph A. ~ Pants: Gap Outlet ~ Shoes: ASOS ~ Bag: H&M ~ Scarf: Eastern Market Vendor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)