Oh, How It Was Glee–That Year of 2014

January 2, 2015 Abby HathornLeave a comment

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

I would like to start out by thanking all of you for your tremendous support in 2014. VIP has grown in ways that I never imagined, and I have grown as a person–from learning to juggle two blogs to conquering many teaching obstacles. Thank you guys for showing me that there are no such things as pipe dreams–any and all dreams are obtainable if we put our mind, body, and soul into making sure those dreams become a reality. I feel blessed and loved and supported–2014 was a marvelous year, and I cannot wait to see what 2015 not only holds for VIP, but also for me as a writer–and for all of you, my fabulous fans!

Looking back on 2014, it feels like everything that was accomplished took place over more than 365 days. I started a new adventure here in Johnson City, I climbed to the tip of The Blowing Rock (despite my fear of plummeting to my death *wink*), I met two of my fashion heroes–Betsey Johnson and Rebecca Minkoff, I interviewed the cutie-pie from Bath Crashers–Matt Muenster (as well as Ahmed Hassan, Emily Ellyn, and Todd Wilbur!), I attended two of the coolest music festivals in this area–Blue Plum and Rhythm & Roots, I experienced first hand the devastating damage of tornadoes, I worked several super awesome B-Metro live social media events, and so much more! I feel like I am in a dazzling dream, and it is all thanks to y’all!

Photo by Amberle Rogers. (Destruction after EF4 tornado hit my hometown)

I can remember when I first started my blog, and I was lucky to post once a week…much less five times a week! What started out as an outlet has blossomed into something about which I am truly passionate. VIP has inspired me to become a bigger and better me…a more open and vibrant me. VIP has inspired me to…well, be me!

So, thanks y’all for another amazing year! I am so happy that y’all have been here for the adventure *wink*

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something.”

–Neil Gaiman

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

VIP Scrapbook: Meeting Rebecca Minkoff + Q&A at Saks Fifth Avenue in Birmingham, AL

December 3, 2014 Abby Hathorn4 Comments

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

So, I made a one-day, round trip from Johnson City to Birmingham yesterday to meet and chat with another one of my fashion heroes, Rebecca Minkoff! Ah! Seeing the genius behind the brand at Saks Fifth Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama was an absolute dream come true. Not to mention…I got her to sign the front of my MINI MAC crossbody bag. *wink*

Rebecca: Is the inside okay? asking where to sign my handbag

VIP: I would like for you to sign it right on the front!

Rebecca: excited You want me to sign it right here…on the front?!

VIP: Yes, of course!

Rebecca: You know my handwriting isn’t the best, right?

VIP: I do not care!

Rebecca: Okay–let’s do this!

The blogger Q&A with Rebecca Minkoff was kicked off by Bertha from Chic in Academia with questions bloggers sent in prior to the event. NOTE: B did such a great job juggling her toddler (who did not have a babysitter for the evening *sad face*). — The blogger Q&A with Rebecca Minkoff was kicked off by Bertha from Chic in Academia with questions bloggers sent in prior to the event.
NOTE: B did a great job juggling her toddler (who did not have a babysitter for the evening *sad face*) while asking Minkoff questions.

This bag is in the VIP blog colors...therefore I need it *wink* — This bag is in the VIP blog color…therefore I need it *wink*

After Chic in Academia finished asking RM the sent-in blogger questions, I had the opportunity to personally ask Minkoff some questions. Check them out below!

VIP Interview Questions with Rebecca Minkoff:

VIP: What is one item in your closet you would never toss out and why?

Rebecca: I wear this jacket more than I wear anything else in my wardrobe [referring to her black leather, West Motto jacket]. It [the West Motto] is one of the first pieces we ever made, and we keep making it every season because it is such a timeless piece.

VIP: I really do love that jacket! It has a really great look that can transit into any season.

Rebecca: If we had a uniform in our office, it would probably be my West Motto [jacket]–two of my girls pointing to her assistants are wearing them right now!

VIP: What era in fashion would you say most inspires you?

Rebecca: I think my favorite era [in fashion] is always the one that I am going to reference when starting my research. So, for example, right now, I am working on fall [for 2015], and it very seventies-inspired with the colors and fringe. No–there will be no large bell-bottoms. laughs

The VIP with blogger and makeup artist Je'Don Holloway-Talley at the RM event at Saks Birmingham! Check out all of awesomeness at Life. Culture. People! (click here) — The VIP with blogger and makeup artist Je’Don Holloway-Talley at the RM event at Saks Birmingham! Check out all of her awesomeness at Life. Culture. People! (click here)

MY GIRLS! Ah! No words can express how much I love these two fashionable ladies--I miss y'all dearly! Come to JC so we can get into some makeup fun *wink* (from left to right) Tasha Deyampert, the VIP, and Tamarous Reynolds. — MY GIRLS! Ah! No words can express how much I love these two fashionable ladies–I miss y’all dearly! Come to JC so we can get into some makeup fun *wink*
(from left to right)
Tasha Deyampert, the VIP, and Tamarous Reynolds.

The crowd at Saks Birmingham was wild to see THE Rebecca Minkoff. — The crowd at Saks Birmingham was excited to see THE Rebecca Minkoff.

One word--LOVE! If you are in the Birmingham area, stop by Saks Fifth Avenue at the Summit for a FABULOUS shopping experience! And not to mention...they have a lovely selection of RM clothes, shoes, and handbags! — One word–LOVE! If you are in the Birmingham area, stop by Saks Fifth Avenue at the Summit for a FABULOUS shopping experience! And not to mention…they have a lovely selection of RM clothes, shoes, and handbags!

I need these heels in my life...and probably the two handbags, too *wink* — I need these heels in my life…and probably the two handbags, too *wink*

I love how Rebecca Minkoff can take such a simple concept, like a black handbag, and twist it so many different ways. That's what separates the true designers from the rest. — I love how Rebecca Minkoff can take such a simple concept, like a black handbag, and twist it so many different ways. That’s what separates the true designers from the rest.

So much quilting...and so much Southern love *wink* — So much quilting…and so much Southern love *wink*

Oh, y’all! The VIP had such a fabulous time at this Saks event (as she does at all Saks Birmingham events)! It was totally worth driving across three states and going on very little sleep today *wink*

Be sure to stay tuned to my sister blog, S&S, where Rebecca Minkoff will be our Featured Friday cover girl. Her story is so inspiring, and every girl needs to know it! :)

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Happy Birthday to Me!

November 28, 2014November 28, 2014 Abby Hathorn8 Comments

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

If you have been keeping up with me on my social media today, you already know that it is my BIRTHDAY! Ah! And for those of you who have been off social media and out shopping killer Black Friday sales…SURPRISE–it’s my birthday *wink*

So, in celebration of the wonderful day I had with my family, I am going to share a few of the highlights with y’all! :)

http://instagram.com/p/v8zRwYtJuK/?modal=true

The Black Keys never sounded so wonderful...#LoveBeatsByDre — The Black Keys never sounded so wonderful…#LoveBeatsByDre

Already ahead of you, parents *wink* Lounge pants, sweatshirt, and fuzzy socks on--I am ready for Etsy shopping *wink* Be sure to tune in to the blog next week where I will be revealing the awesome birthday goodies Beadsoul sent me! Whoo hoo! It is going to be awesome! — Already ahead of you, parents *wink* Lounge pants, sweatshirt, and fuzzy socks on–I am ready for Etsy shopping *wink* Be sure to tune in to the blog next week where I will be revealing the awesome birthday goodies Beadsoul sent me! Whoo hoo! It is going to be awesome! P.S. Does the about $50 include shipping? Hmmm *wink*

A photo taken by my lovely Deddy at Cakes in a Cup in Johnson City, Tennessee. My mom and I enjoyed gluten-free cupcakes (we are both Celiac) and my dad had a "normal" Birthday Cake flavored one :) — A photo taken by my lovely Deddy at Cakes in a Cup in Johnson City, Tennessee. My mom and I enjoyed gluten-free cupcakes (we are both Celiac) and my dad had a “normal” Birthday Cake flavored one :)

I picked up this AMAZING, navy lace frock from Serendipity Boutique in Johnson City today during their Black Friday sale! I cannot wait to wear this!

And of course, when I spotted this precious vintage Santa Clause yard decor at a local shop...I had to get it *wink* — And of course, when I spotted this precious vintage Santa Claus yard decor at The Next Best Thing in Johnson City, I had to pick it up *wink*

My awesome Aunt Karen shipped me a birthday care box. Love her:)

Lots of goodies that will keep me above water during finals *wink*

I also picked myself up this SEXY Rebecca Minkoff bag! Check out the photo below to learn more about how the VIP will be meeting the ONE...the ONLY...Rebecca Minkoff! Ah! — I also picked myself up this SEXY Rebecca Minkoff bag! Check out the photo below to learn more about how the VIP will be meeting the ONE…the ONLY…Rebecca Minkoff! Ah!

Oh, and did I mention...you can meet her too at her public meeting?! Yep--well...you can! :) — Oh, and did I mention…you can meet and mingle with her too at her public appearance?! Yep–well…you can! :)

And I wrapped up the day with this fabulously delicious ice cream treat. I am still a little kid at heart *wink* P.S. thanks, Deddy, for making me gluten-free sloppy joes and tater tots! *gluten-free macaroon from Cakes in a Cup in Johnson City #shoplocal #dinelocal

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

VIP Holiday Gift FOR HER at Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham

December 12, 2013 Abby HathornLeave a comment

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome to the VIP Holiday Gift Guide FOR HER at Saks Fifth Avenue in Birmingham! Oh. My. Gracious–I found so many dazzling and darling things for all of the fun and fabulous women in my life…as well as a few things for myself–Hey, Santa Baby…how about that Saks Gift Card *wink* Before we get started, y’all have to pinkie promise me that you will keep my gift ideas for my family on the down-low–I cannot have everyone finding out what they are getting for Christmas. Sh….. Now, without further ado, let’s get started with this fabulous VIP Gift Guide FOR HER at Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham! Yay!