I have always loved conventions (or “cons,” as people in the know sometimes call them).  I can’t possibly name all the conventions I’ve been to in my life, but they include Comic-Con, Star Trek conventions, Star Wars conventions, a Buffy the Vampire Slayer convention, a LEGO convention … even a quilting convention once with my grandmother.  I just really like being around people who feel passionately about something, and that’s what you find at conventions.  In other words, you don’t have to do much arm twisting to convince me to go to them.

If I already love conventions in general, imagine how I feel about fashion conventions!  It’s not just that you don’t have to do much arm twisting to convince me to go; I’m WRANGLING to go.  But let’s face it, the word “convention” connotes something slightly geeky and uncool (something fashionistas generally like to avoid).  So instead of fashion conventions, there are Fashion Weeks — super-cool gatherings of designers, who show off their new looks, and of people who love fashion.

Thanks to my friends Erica, My Chi and Katrina, I got an invite to the Marchesa show at New York Fashion Week this year, including a meet-and-greet with Georgina Chapman herself.  The show was amazing.  The gowns were so ethereal and romantic, almost princess-like (and who doesn’t want to feel like a princess on the red carpet)?

But even more fun than the show was choosing what to wear to the show.  Why?  Because there are always photographers surrounding the entrance to Fashion Week looking to snap pics of the best street style they see, and as someone who loves fashion, it’s an honor to get that stamp of approval.

I must admit, it was a little challenging to decide what to wear this year because my visit to Fashion Week was sandwiched between a four-hour board meeting and a board dinner.  I needed something unique but professional.  I ended up choosing an outfit by Sophie Theallet that I got straight off the runway from Moda Operandi (http://www.modaoperandi.com).  The blouse is olive green lace, and the skirt is beige linen with a matching lace inset on one side.  I completed the look with cork Manolo Blahnik heels that I got from Neiman Marcus (http://www.neimanmarcus.com).

And guess what!?!  I DID get photographed by a ton of photographers.  It was a great feeling and proof that even if you’re a working woman (AND love conventions), you can still be stylish.

Here are some pics from the Marchesa show: