OC Blogger Bash (10/9/2011)

I was invited to attend the 60s Mad Men themed OC Blogger Bash at the Anaheim Convention Center this past Sunday…well…rather, I did go, but before the bash, I had entered a contest (and won) that allowed me to walk the runway in the Queen of Heartz fashion show during the event. I arrived at the venue earlier in the day for make-up and hair, made myself “at home (if you will)” and enjoyed the company of fellow models: Lenaye, Katelyn, Jacky (blogger at Snobby Hippy), Pat, Nina and Yolie ; Letty (Queen of Heartz designer); Letty’s assistant-Jami; fellow bloggers/models: Romy of Romy Raves and Lexi Rohner of 30 Fingers and 30 Toes. Before the fashion show, we had a chance to mingle with fellow fashionable SoCal bloggers and get some 60s-inspired treats like candy cigarettes, popcorn, cheeses, crackers and other finger foods, pizza, Pepsi out of the old glass bottles, mini Baked Alaska, pineapple pound cakes, open bar, (get ready for this guys…) two different flavors of shakes: Guinness and Peanut Butter & Jelly! You’re probably thinkin, peanut butter and jelly?! But when I had that first sip, I was blown-away! It’s like a liquid sundae in your mouth! I also want to mention that when I asked the chef that was in charge of the pizza and mini slider station if there was an option for vegetarian pizza, he said yes, but went out of his way to get it for me and then went on to ask if I wanted a slider without the meat… How thoughtful was that!? Not many people go out of their way like that. In also keeping with the 60s theme, a ‘old-fashioned drive-in’ had been set up, complete with two classic cars and a projector that was screening old movies from 1961.

The 60’s inspired Queen of Heartz fashion show was such a blast. We rode down the long escalator like ten steps apart and did our thang…Posing and “voguing” in front of the large crowd. The audience (and us) were treated to some ‘eye candy’ courtesy of The Daily Hot Guy. And ladies, there IS an app for that! Whew…ok, now back to the fashion… I wore the Ruca dress, which fit me PERFECTLY! Usually I’m not a fan of body con dresses, but I felt very confident in the dress. I loved that the v-neck offered a tasteful amount of sexiness. The sequin applique on the shoulder added a nice hint of subtle sparkle to the dress and the front panels on the front hips just accented the waist and hip area beautifully. I am now a fan of Anaheim-based Queen of Heartz brand! Not only is the designer-Letty, a doll, but her designs are made to fit all body types. Some of the garments are made to hug your curves (in all the right places). Fans of the pin-up and rockabilly scene certainly appreciate the couture vintage feel and the quality of the garments. To check out and shop the line, go here.

After the show, we did more mingling, while listening to the in-house band. I bumped into Shannah from The Student Stylist and Mary from The Recessionista and we gabbed the night away. Guests also had the chance to get snapped in the photo booth. We had to pose four times and each of the photos backdrops was a famous OC landmark. They awarded so many amazing prizes that night (apparently over $60,000 worth), that I believe everyone won something. Prizes ranged from bowling parties to spa visits and hotel stays. My name was eventually called, along with five others. We each picked out an orange envelope at random. When the host announced my prize, I was overwhelmed with excitement. I ended up winning a Disney vacation package that included two 1-day park hopper tickets, one night stay at one of the Disney hotels and a character breakfast…courtesy of the Anaheim Convention and Visitors Bureau! Every guest went home with a vintage-inspired tin lunchbox with retro sunnies, a scarf, tin of chocolates, a small compact, a few small goodies from Anaheim CVB and Disney and TWO COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS to Knott’s Berry Farm! Let’s just say, I’m sure everyone went home a happy-camper!

I want to thank: Shari and the rest of the OC Blogger Bash team ; Letty; Jami; the models; the hair and make-up team: Irene Dorantes, Rae Rodriguez, Lindsey McNally and Priscilla Martin; the Anaheim Convention Center, Elaine and the rest of the crew from Anaheim CVB; the ladies of Moms LA; the folks from The Daily Hot Guy, the folks of Photo Booth Pro and all the generous sponsors.