Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

For those of you who kept up with me on Instagram this weekend, you already know that I met one of my fashion heroes, Betsey Johnson. AH! It’s been two days, and I still cannot believe it! Somebody pinch me! *wink*

http://instagram.com/p/vbWAQdNJlt/?modal=true

Since before I can remember, Betsey Johnson has been one of my biggest inspirations. She is seventy-two years old, has been designing for almost fifty years, and still works neon pink and tutus like it is nobody’s business *wink* Her style is so unique and her philosophy of “wear what you love” is greatly needed in a world that is so easily influenced by fads and trends.

When I was trying to find myself and learning to express my passion for fashion in tenth grade, I turned to Betsey for inspiration. From her, I learned that “girls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves, and of course, each other. If girls dressed for boys, they’d just walk around naked at all times.” (See photos below)

If someone would have told me when I put these pages together in my Smash journal that I would be meeting Betsey three years later…I would have laughed in their faces. Amazing how God can change things so drastically when we follow His path :)

*draws check mark* Well, I guess I can mark that off of my bucket list!

Now, without further ado, I reveal the photos taken by my wonderful photographer at the Brunch with Betsey Belk event in Charlotte, North Carolina! Come on, y’all! Let’s take a gander.

Arlene Golstein (in the fur), the VP of Trend Mechandising and Fashion Direction at Belk, and the VIP (in the red coat) chatting with other bloggers at brunch in Charlotte. Oh, I just love Arlene! — Arlene Goldstein (in the vest), the VP of Trend Mechandising and Fashion Direction at Belk, and the VIP (in the red coat) chatting with other bloggers at the brunch in Charlotte. Oh, I just love Arlene!

Arlene personally introducing me to THE Betsey Johnson. — Arlene introducing Betsey and me.

I was all smiles for the rest of the day! Meeting her (and getting to chat with her!) was a dream come true! — I was all smiles for the rest of the day! Meeting Betsey Johnson (and getting to chat with her!) was a dream come true!

"This girl is only 18! Come on, we need another hug and another picture," exclaimed Betsey. — “This girl is only 18! Come on, we need another hug and another picture,” exclaimed Betsey.

I do not remember what Betsey and Arlene were chatting about in this photo; however, it was so precious that I had to share it with y'all anyway :) — I do not remember what Betsey and Arlene were chatting about in this photo; however, it was so precious that I had to share it with y’all anyway :)

I hope I am this awesome whenever I am in my 70s (yellow hair-streaks and all *wink*). — I hope I am this awesome when I am in my seventies!

Exclusive VIP Interview Question with Betsey:

VIP: What is one item in your closet you would never toss out and why? From watching your show, I know that you must have quite the extensive collection of apparel!

Betsey: I know this sounds silly, but I lose so much stuff that I try not to get too attached to things–like umbrellas for example. There is no telling how many of those things I have lost! But I would hate to lose or get rid of my necklace I bought for [my daughter] Lulu….My closet is basically a bunch of folded things, which is okay because I love wrinkles. I have one small closet for hanging things, which is mostly things I really love but never wear. If I really love something, I have a hard time wearing it a lot because I do not want something to happen to it!

VIP: Oh, I completely understand! I have a dress handmade by my great-grandmother in the early sixties that I have only worn a handful of times because it is too dear to me.

Betsey: Oh, beautiful! Isn’t it funny how that happens! My other two closets are full of folded things, which is okay because I love wrinkles….Oh! I absolutely treasure my belt pointing to the leather belt around her waist. It is quite old, and I do not even remember the maker, but it is like a “good luck” charm in a sense.

Note: Please stay tuned to the blog because Friday I will be posting some fun and fabulous Betsey Johnson finds.

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

5 thoughts on “VIP Scrapbook: Meeting Betsey Johnson + Q & A at Belk in Charlotte, NC”

Addie Talley says:

November 19, 2014 at 2:07 pm

As if I didn’t have enough reason to be jealous of you already!

- Abby Hathorn says:
  
  November 19, 2014 at 9:38 pm
  
  Awh! Addie–I love you! I’m jealous of you…I mean, you’re a phenomenal photographer and artist :)
  
Weekly Whistle: What I Wore to Meet Betsey Johnson + A Little Leopard | Vintage Inspired Passionista says:

November 19, 2014 at 8:02 pm

[…] I posted the photos + details on Monday, I have received quite a few emails from y’all about the outfit I wore to the Betsey Brunch […]

VIP Scrapbook: Celebrating 3 Years of VIP | Vintage Inspired Passionista says:

February 4, 2015 at 6:45 pm

[…] did sixteen-year-old-me know that she would get to meet and interview some of her icons (like Betsey Johnson and Rebecca Minkoff) and celebs (like Ty Pennington, Matt Muenster, Emily Ellyn, and so […]

Three Ways to Wear to Wear Leopard + Leopard Gift Guide | vintage inspired passionista says:

November 19, 2015 at 11:19 pm

[…] me that a year ago I was in Charlotte, NC meeting and interviewing one of my fashion icons–Betsey Johnson! Oh, how that brought back such sweet memories + it got me in the mood for wearing that fabulous […]