Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that when clicked on may result in a small commission to this site but all opinions are mine.
There is so much that I want to share with you about my experience attending theCURVYCon 2016 last month in New York City. I had oodles of fun. I cried. I laughed. I smiled. I took a bunch of photos. I felt empowered, loved, and accepted. And I’m dedicating four posts on my blog to share it all with you!
Today, I’m sharing my experience at the Gwynnie Bee x theCURVYcon 2016 VIP Party but here is a preview of upcoming blog updates:
- Recap: Gwynnie Bee x theCURVYcon 2016 VIP Party {WHAT YOU’RE READING RIGHT NOW}
- Recap: theCURVYcon 2016 And All That Jazz
- What Came In theCURVYcon 2016 Platinum Swag Bag
Learn more about theCURVYcon 2017, which is taking place during New York Fashion Week in September 2017!
Gwynnie Bee x theCURVYcon 2016 VIP Party
As a platinum ticket holder for theCURVYcon, I was ecstatic to receive an invitation to the exclusive Gwynnie Bee x theCURVYcon 2016 VIP Party!
You see, Gwynnie Bee is one of my favorite must-have subscription boxes for plus-size women’s clothing (sizes 10-32). I’ve been a member of Gwynnie Bee for a couple years now and so the idea that I was going to be partying it up with Gwynnie Bee was exciting! I have blogged about a few of my Gwynnie Bee outfits HERE and HERE but post many more pictures of my Gwynnie Bee outfits on Instagram.
What I Wore: Kiyonna Lace Cocktail Dress
Of course, I was as indecisive as ever on what I should wear to the Gwynnie Bee x theCURVYcon 2016 VIP Party. I wanted to wear an outfit from Gwynnie Bee but my next shipment of clothing was in the mail heading to Arizona as I was in flight to New York.
Outfit details
Vintage Dream Cocktail Dress from Kiyonna
Repurposed Dooney & Bourke Purse with Custom Art by Damian Jim
Custom Pearl Necklace with Sterling Silver Rose & Dagger by Floyd Parkhurst
Franco Sarto Pointy Toe Flats (similar)
The Vintage Dream Cocktail Dress from Kiyonna is one of my favorite lace cocktail dresses from the plus-size clothing company. This dress has mesh for the neckline and sleeves which is a great way to still have coverage and feel sexy. Plus the eyelash lace trim on the bodice adds a feminine and flirtatious touch to this stylish cocktail dress. Unfortunately, this dress is no longer available at Kiyonna as I purchased it a few years ago. However, they have other cute lace cocktail dresses worth checking out!
The #gbVIPparty
We were asked to share photos of the Gwynnie Bee x theCURVYcon 2016 VIP Party with the hashtags #gbVIPparty and #thecurvycon. Search these hashtags on Instagram and Twitter to see photos from other attendees!
There was a DJ laying down some tunes and I even made it out on the dance floor! There were also complimentary bubbly drinks and appetizers to snack on. In addition, professional photographer Trevon James was on hand so attendees could pose on the pink photo set.
There was a photo booth with props to go with the charming florals and quirky prints of the outfits in the Gwynnie Bee x Rachel Antonoff Collaboration. It was such a treat for Gwynnie Bee to announce their collaboration with Rachel Antonoff at the #gbVIPparty. I ended up standing near the entrance of the surprise runway show where Gwynnie Bee models strutted their stuff in the new Rachel Antonoff collection. It was such a thrill and it makes me want to attend a full blown fashion runway show some day.
There was also complimentary hair touch ups offered by Blo Blow Dry Bar. I wish I had taken advantage of this service because I didn’t pack any styling tools in my suitcase and went to the party without styling my hair! And what do you know, Blo is opening a location in Arizona soon!
Meeting Curvy Fashionistas!
I was really excited for the Gwynnie Bee x theCURVYcon 2016 VIP Party because of the safe party space for plus-size women. And also because I was hoping to meet some of my favorite fashion bloggers!
Emily of Authentically Emmie, one of my favorite fashion bloggers, was the first person I saw when I walked into theCURVYcon 2016 VIP Party. I totally went all fan girl because I feel like I really identify with her fashion style. And so, I was thrown off when she asked if I was Redstreak Girl! I had hoped to meet some of my favorite bloggers but didn’t once think that someone would recognize me. Emily was very sweet, genuine, and she helped me to feel comfortable at the event.
By the way, the City Chic dress Emily is wearing is cute and available to add to your Gwynnie Bee closet, I did!
I also got to meet Sarah of Curvily who I follow on Instagram and Snapchat. It was cool to meet Sarah because I’ve been living vicariously through her Instagram account especially when she attends a New York fashion runway show as she always seems to have great seats!
Throughout the night I kept meeting amazing and confident women who are making headway into the fashion scene.
I started chatting with Sheila of CurvySheila who is a curvy model and body positive advocate from Texas. She had the cutest ladybug purse! We ended up chilling with each other throughout the night.
I met Amanda Allison of Fashion, Love, and Martinis and we chatted a bit about the Kiyonna plus-size clothing company, which is a California based company. It was fun to meet someone from this west side of the United States at this New York City event. Little did I know but Amanda was a speaker at theCURVYcon’s panel “So, You Want to be a Blogger? Here’s How” that took place the next morning!
I really wanted to meet Chastity of GarnerStyle and co-founder of theCURVYcon. She had been walking around the party and when she appeared available I walked up and introduced myself. ~ Now, when I found the plus-size fashion community Chastity’s blog was one of the first blogs that pulled me in and made me think of myself and my body in a different way. I of course didn’t get a chance to tell her all this because I was star-struck and she was busy running an event, but I did get this photo with her.
I also met Kiah of From The Rez To The City, who I previously featured on my blog, but we didn’t get a photo together despite sharing a cab back to the same hotel.
The Gwynnie Bee Swag Bag
The Gwynnie Bee x theCurvycon 2016 VIP Party was off the hook! Gwynnie Bee went all out for platinum attendees and even gave us a swag bag at the end of the night!
The swag bag is a thick durable tote bag with the Gwynnie Bee logo. Inside was a soft Marilyn Monroe designed scarf, sunnies, promotion cards and a USB drive about the Gwynnie Bee x Rachel Antonoff Collaboration, and a 30 day free trial for Gwynnie Bee (but I’m already a member).
The tote bag was perfect for toting all of my theCURVYcon platinum swag home on the plane.
I had an amazing time at the Gwynnie Bee x theCurvycon 2016 VIP Party. It was the perfect kick-off party to mingle with fashionistas before the jam-packed main event. You can see more #gbVIPparty pics from Gwynnie Bee HERE.
If you’re interested in trying Gwynnie Bee you can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial. The 30-day subscription service includes access to their expansive closet of clothing sizes 10-32, unlimited clothing exchanges, and free shipping. I hope you’ll give Gwynnie Bee a try!
Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog so you can receive blog updates direct to your email! In my next blog update I will share with you what I wore to theCURVYcon 2016! Learn more about theCURVYcon 2017, which is taking place during New York Fashion Week in September 2017!
-Nicky
