Polyvore Meetup

What a stressful few weeks it's been! Luckily I get this week off from school, so I have some time to breathe and enjoy the holidays.

If you look at my recent Instagram posts, you'll see that I was lucky enough to attend a meetup at the Polyvore headquarters in Mountain View on November 14th! The staff was so kind and helpful, and I had so much fun hanging out with other members and seeing everything that went on behind my favorite website. Even though I only started up my inspirene account in 2013, it feels like forever that I've been piecing together outfits. I recently hit a thousand followers, so I think my eye for style has definitely improved from when I made my first few sets.

The morning of the fourteenth was nerve-wracking to say the least. Aside from being crazy nervous (excitement and anxiety always go hand-in-hand, unfortunately), I was also running slightly late. Traffic and problems with directions didn't help much, either (props to my mom for saving us). When I finally managed to arrive at the office, I was sure I had missed something. 

"Nope!" the lovely lady standing outside the door said, handing me my nametag. "You're right on time."

Agh, what a relief. As soon as I walked in, I met two staff members named Chrystal and Nadia. Chrystal had helped me with a little mix-up I had with the RSVP, and Nadia was a face I knew from Polyvore's Instagram during New York Fashion Week. They were both so friendly, and I felt my anxiety disappear. I picked out a donut from the breakfast bar and sat down. While I waited for the Q&A session to begin, I studied the room around me. There were sets hanging on the walls, a charging station (bless), and lots of plants! 

At 10:00, the Q&A began. Jess, the awesome bacon-loving CEO of Polyvore introduced herself and told us the story of how Polyvore came to be. Later on, the product & design team members shared some information from their sector.

A little after 11, a panel discussion began. I listened to some amazing stories from four people working with Polyvore, TheRealReal, Modcloth, and Brit & Co. It was great to hear from them about their everyday life and their journey into the fashion world. We received some great advice from each of them on how to build your career in fashion and design (Intern. Intern. INTERN.) and I became so inspired by their stories of success to work hard to achieve what I wanted. It sounds cheesy, but you should never lose sight of your dreams.

Next was lunch! We walked outside to find the Mobowl food truck waiting for us. Yum! There we received cute little headbands from Shopbracket topped with the words Polyvore Meetup. Glasswing Floral had provided us with beautiful bouquets of flowers that adorned the tables. While we ate, I got to know some of the members, and later another Polyvore staff member who joined us at the table. We talked about how long we had been on the website and who our favorite bloggers, members, and brands were. (PS: Mobowl chicken, fries, and rice? Highly recommended.)

After lunch we returned inside for activity time. Around here I hung out with my new friends, Sierra from sisistyle, Hollie from thewovenwolf, and Macy from fashionistatothemax. We had so much fun chatting, taking pictures at the photobooth, making custom tees, and getting makeovers from the BareMinerals crew that had turned up. 

At around 1:30, I went with a group of members to try out a cool new thing that Polyvore has in store. I can't say much, but I can definitely say it's going to be awesome. So be on the lookout! 

Before we walked in, I managed to get a good look around the Polyvore office, aka the coolest office ever. There was so much technology, windows, and space! Everything felt so open, and the atmosphere was very calm and relaxed while still having a business-like air to it. There were even two little puppies two members of the staff had brought in named Waffles and Chai! No cats though... :(

Once I got back to the main room, I started playing around with the iPad app and even published some sets. It was so versatile and easy to use that it made me want to get an iPad to create sets easily on the go! *gets out Christmas list* Dear Santa...

At 3:00, it was time for Polyvore Member Success Stories with members Leanne (houseofhauteness), Bri (ruibri), and Rebekah (regallyblonde). This was probably my favorite; hearing the stories of where these bloggers started and their journey to where they were now. It was amazing to see in person how hard work and determination really does pay off, and it gave me hope that I really could achieve what I wanted and do what I loved best. Like I said, never give up!

After this it was Happy Hour, which sadly meant it was close to saying goodbye. There was a hot cocoa bar and CREAM ice cream showed up to serve us some yummy ice cream cookie sandwiches. There was a little game of icebreaker Bingo. My friend Sisi won (yay!) and received a beautiful red bag which she totallydidnotbutalmostcompletelydid cry over. Each of us received a tote bag filled with fantastic goodies donated by some amazing stores, including a pair of Frends headphones which I haven't taken off since. While the remaining people drifted around, I talked a bit with Nadia and later with Chrystal. Nadia offered some helpful tips on developing my blog and career and Chrystal gave me some great advice on dealing with school.

I'm still at a very young age of only 15 years old, so I know I have a long road stretching ahead of me...which also means I have a lot to learn. It's because of this that I feel so lucky that I got to go to such an amazing event and that everyone was so eager to talk to me and give me advice. 

I leave you with a list of the awesome members with whom I shared this great experience with.

Stay awesome, blossoms! 

-Irene xx

Name	Polyvore username
Adyam	strangeviolet
Aimee	aimeerancer
Barbara	barbmama
Berenice M	beautifullylovely
Bernadet	bernadet-d
Brandy	willbakeforshoes
Bri	ruibri
Bridgett	b-rex
Caitlyn	caitlyn
Catherine	cat-1-1994
Charity	thebargaintrendsetter
Cherie	cherieaustin
Cheyanne	chey-love
Christina L	arainymelody
Christina N	littlehamst3r
Chrystal	chrystal
Faith	faythnowell
Harjot	istylista
Heather	heather_scouff
Hollie	thewovenwolf
Irene	inspirene
Jackie	ducktape
Jessica	teamwiking
Jessica	Jbarajas
Karen	gemique
Kathleen	ajiyfun
Kelsey	ringsandredwood
Kimberly	onetallgirl
Leanne	houseofhauteness
Lisa K	lisajean1957
Macy	fashionistatothemax
Margaret	margaretebooth
Marla	mar-jo
Melissa	Melsanv
Mirary	mirary
Nadia	nadia
Nancy	Nmponder
Nicole	stylistnikilips
Poornima	poornimakonsam
Rebekah	regallyblonde
Sandy	snaddee
Sisi	sisistyle
Traniecieya	traunicorn
Veronica	strawberrybubble
Virbeen	virbeen
Wendy	clothes-wise
Yvonne	yvonnewarren

Halloween

Halloween is by far one of my favorite holidays of the year. Even though I don't excitedly anticipate the Club Penguin holiday party anymore, there's still a great deal of thrill for me in this holiday. Excuses to buy candy in bulk, the spooky decorations, the weather, and, of course, dressing up. I don't care what anyone says, you are never too old to dress up as something for Halloween. Even if you don't want to wear a $70 costume from the store, there's still plenty ways you can dress up and look fantastic, whether you're going to a party or going out into the night to have fun trick-or-treating. Here are some of my favorite home-done costumes. Check it out!

As you might have guessed, this is an Eleanor Calder inspired costume. Add some temporary white dye to your hair and you're set to go!

One of my favorite looks—a Roaring Twenties flapper girl! Throw on a fringed dress and a pearl necklace and you'll look like you stepped out of The Great Gatsby. Make sure to check out Michelle Phan's flapper makeup tutorial here! 

I actually got the idea for this costume from Florencia (flolovesclothes.com)! A Wang cheerleader for the hell yeah. Grab your pom poms and get cheering!

And, of course, the traditional black cat costume. All black, cat ears, and a simple choker can accent this look perfectly. Don't forget the winged eyeliner and drawn-on nose and whiskers!

Hope this helps :) Happy Halloween! Have fun and stay safe! 

Love always,

Irene xxx

NYC Diary

As a few of you may know, last week was my very first time in New York City! I was blown away by how beautiful it was, and it's definitely become one of my favorite cities. I had heard a quote about it not being just a city but a world in itself, and I can honestly say that is completely true. The people there are so diverse and interesting, and you can uncover so many stories if you know where to look. Someone once told me that the city is where lost souls find themselves between cracks in the pavement and lit up buildings. I'd love to live there one day.

Every time I would step outside, I'd be amazed at the beauty of this city.

I felt like I was in an old movie when I caught a glimpse of this. Unfortunately I didn't get to stop inside :(

Another thing I loved was the architecture and design. It reminded me so much of Europe. 

Sometimes the insignificant things can be the most beautiful.

We stopped at a restaurant called Gemma's, which I highly recommend. I felt like it was back in Italy with tear-sheddingly good pizza. 

I managed to snag a pair of sold-out-online Zara pants I had been lusting after! I love sales. 

My mom took this picture of me while we were waiting for a meetup. I'm sure if you look close enough you can see how terrified I look.

But as it turns out, I had no reason to fear. The girls were so incredibly sweet and welcoming. I met bloggers that I had idolized since forever, and made some amazing new friends. 

Shortly after we met Danielle. I think I was still shaking a bit.

Annnnd one of the biggest highlights of the day!!! We ran into Danielle Bernstein of WeWoreWhat! We were walking in a little muddled line (we truly were rubber ducks, haha) and I was towards the back. I hear someone say "Is that Danielle Bernstein?" I reached out and grabbed the nearest person's arm (sorry Ari), and sure enough, it was her! I couldn't believe it. We all chatted and took pictures with her and then she asked to take a group picture with us. I had a mini freak out session in Urban Outfitters when I found out she had Instagrammed it. 

Still can't believe this is real! Someone pinch me.

We also met the incredible Philip Picardi, who offered us some fantastic words of advice and encouragement—everything from dealing with hate to inspiration to bronzer. 

Tia's mom brought some tasty treats, and I had my first ever macaroon! My tongue was tasting moonlight and stars.

Lucy convinced me that I needed to get a Polaroid camera instead of putting a Polaroid frame around my regular pictures. If you're wondering what to get me for Christmas...there you go. 

Sooo many beautiful things. 

I also met one of my mutuals on the street! The darling Larissa of tapistrie.blogspot.com ! She was wearing the pleated Zara shorts that Eleanor Calder wore and I complimented them. We started talking and then in the midst of exchanging tumblrs, we found out we were mutuals!!! We both kind of freaked out then and hugged. She was so cute!!

All my love,

-Irene xx

Come Fly With Me

The summer months have finally arrived, and people everywhere are traveling to familiar places to visit friends and family or even brand new places to discover the wonders that lie in the cities. In just a few short days, I myself will be in New York! I'm extremely excited; but less so about the flight. Practically six hours in an airplane is going to be a bit of an ordeal for me, especially because I'm not too fond of airplanes. So I created this post to help myself and others who will be flying soon achieve maximum comfort during a flight.

Happy flying everyone! Stay safe!

These are my main essentials for a flight:

  Fuzzy sweater- Airports can be chilly! I usually like to take an extra sweater, even if it is summer. 

  Pillow- For extra comfort--at the gate, on the plane, basically anywhere!

  Knit blanket- these are always nice if you want to take a little nap on the plane.

  Book- Avoid boredom in the best possible way. Also, I highly recommend Miranda Kerr's books.

  Headphones- Listen to your familiar jams--or even some calming music--whenever you feel stressed or a bit homesick.

  Duffel bag- These things hold just about everything while managing to look stylish at the same time. They're a definite must!

  Gum- Always great to have on a flight. They do wonders for your ears.

  Lip balm- Anyone else get super cracked lips when flying? I feel you-- that's why I always carry my EOS.

  Lotion- I can't tell you how much I recommend B&BW aromatherapy stress relief cream. It has the most amazing, soothing smell. It's like yoga in a bottle. I like to rub some on my temples before I hop aboard.

  Snood- Nice and thick, infinity scarves can keep your neck from cricking and aching.

  Frappucino- Every airport has a Starbucks, so make sure you grab this refreshing and rejuvenating drink.

I always keep these things in my bag, especially when I'm flying. Passport (duh), watch (always important for keeping track of the time), wallet (also important), sunglasses (protect your eyes kids!), rollerball (to keep yourself nice and fragrant). Also I love those IceBreakers duos--I'm completely addicted!

And these are some of my favorite styles to wear while flying. I really hope you like them! -Irene xx

Insta-Outfit 6.20.14

Overalls- American Eagle

Top, hat, & shoes- Topshop

Roses and Reunions

Last weekend my parents and I drove up to Brentwood (a little town in NorCal) for a family reunion. It was so nice to meet all of the people who starred in the old over-the-dinner-table stories, and I saw so many people who I hadn't seen since I was a shy little girl in her calf-high socks (the shy part hasn't really dissolved yet, though...).

I knew I had a job to do when I dressed up--my mission was to look sophisticated yet unique. I thought the Topshop dress was perfect; the wispy netted skirt and the simple black top looks amazing together (but of course, what else do you expect from Topshop?) and is the overall appearance is timeless. After seeing Florencia's Tiny Florals post, I realized how fantastic Katz look with tights, so of course I had to try it out. And finally, I added a splash of color to the outfit with a light burgundy coat.
Hope you like it!!
-Irene xx

Dress - Topshop

Coat - ASOS

Tights - Urban Outfitters

Shoes - Topshop

Bag - H&M

ootd by inspirene on polyvore.com

Allow me to introduce myself...

I've been meaning to post an introduction thing FOREVER but when my last draft deleted my motivation took a nosedive. Anyway, since I'll be off on spring break this week (FINALLY a break from the workload), I figured I should take this opportunity to get this blog rolling.

Okay so hiiiii I'm Irene! This is my newest blog. If you're reading this, I just want to say thank you so much for checking this out. It means so much to me. Here's a few facts about myself...

I am (as of next year) a sophomore in high school. I have adored fashion ever since I was younger. Coming from one of the most fashionable countries in the world (Italy pride!) my mom has been my main inspiration in terms of fashion and style. I love how style is a way to express yourself and your personality without having to speak. I've noticed as my style evolved through the years, I've discovered more about who I am. I also love writing, painting, and the creative arts.

I will try to update as often as I can, but until the summer arrives most of my days will, sadly, be laden with schoolwork. I'm so excited about this, and I hope you'll follow me on this brand new adventure! 

Much love xx