ufw spring 2016, part 2: the up & coming designers show

Okay, so editing those photos took a bit longer than I thought. But finally - full photos from Thursday night's Up & Coming Designers show! Check back over the next few days for photos from the other three shows.

The Up & Coming Show of UFW Spring 2016 kicked off the public portion of the week’s festivities with a bang, showing 12 designers in a single evening – almost twice as many designers as any of the other events. Although this extended line up made for a longer run time, and while this venue was smaller but just as packed as the other shows, the diversity in the designers’ presentations made this show well worth the hunt for parking. More about the show + photos of each collection after the jump ---->

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utah fashion week spring 2016

this post contains affiliate links.

(left to right) back: Blakely, @eloiseandme; Keara, @modest_style; Jill, @hotpinkstyle55; Sandy, @sandyalamode; Lauryn, @lauryncakes; me, @momandkumquat

front: Emily, @modestgoddess_; Kristin, @kristinrosedavis
my dress :: temperley london (get it here + check back later this week for more outfit details & inspiration)

"Fashion forward" may not be the term most people would use to describe our state, but they've clearly never been to Utah Fashion Week.

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salt lake city's third annual vintage whites market

my outfit :: blazer, gray tee :: maurice's // jeans :: 7 for all mankind via downeast basics // ankle boots :: old navy // purse :: downeast basics

kumquat's outfit :: burgundy tee :: h&m // leggings :: garanimals // socks :: carter's

Having attended both the first and second annual Vintage Whites Market in Salt Lake City, I feel that I am fully qualified to say that the 2015 edition thoroughly blew the original and the sequel out of the water. Admittedly, this year's entrance (two walls of pallets decorated with vintage paintings and some furniture for a vintage parlor feel) wasn't quite as impressive as 2013's bicycles or 2014's umbrellas, but it did provide some fun inspiration as I walked into the Grand Building for the 2015 market.

This year's market expanded into the neighboring Promontory Building, which meant a lot more vendors and more room for shoppers to spread out. That being said, the early shopping pass was definitely worth the $35 - it was nice to "beat the rush" and enjoy a leisurely Friday evening hunting for vintage treasures with my almost ten month old daughter to decorate our new place. A number of vendors remembered me from last year, when I was about six months pregnant and in search of vintage treasures to decorate her nursery.

I did return Saturday with my 5 year old nephew in tow as well; I told him we were going "treasure hunting" and somehow that turned into a search for a "treasure dragon". While we were unable to find it, we did snag a number of vintage beauties - including a gorgeous camel-colored wool cape from Maeberry Vintage, a mirror for my sister and a tea set for my nephew from Pick It Vintage, a Raggedy Ann doll, a cradle for Raggedy Ann, a neat little wire rack with spinny baskets and an assortment of knick knacks and smaller treasures to adorn our new room.

While I am generally pleased with our haul, I am somewhat disappointed in myself for not picking up one of the many end tables, nightstands and vanities that we happened across. In fact, after reviewing my photos from the event, I particularly regret not purchasing the ones pictured below... if anyone happens to remember the vendor who was selling any of these items, or if you are such a vendor with similar items, I would love to talk to you - leave the name of the store and/or your contact info in the comments or drop me an email at jennifer@mommyandkumquat.com. I'm also in the market for a doll highchair and similar furniture.

Did you attend the Vintage Whites Market? What are some of your favorite treasures from this year's fair? 

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build your blog conference 2015 wrap up

my outfit (day): sweater :: downeast basics // blouse :: silence & noise // skirt :: j.crew c/o uptown cheapskate // tights :: f21 // booties :: mossimo

kumquat's outfit: sweater, kitty t-shirt, purple tutu :: gymboree // tights :: cherokee // silver shoe :: gift

my outfit (evening): jumpsuit :: jbs c/o uptown cheapskate // cuff bracelet :: vintage // clutch :: too faced cosmetics bag // booties :: shi

The Build Your Blog Conference 2015 was held this past weekend at the Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, and even though I missed part of the conference, I definitely felt the energy and passion from everyone in attendance. An atmosphere like that has a way of re-energizing and re-charging your batteries, and with so much creative energy flowing and great ideas being bounced around, it's pretty much impossible not to come away with a thousand new ideas and a renewed commitment to building your brand.

The key to making the most of all the advice and new ideas, though, is to take just a few things at a time and incorporate them into your blogging routine. Trying to completely overhaul your current system all at once can lead to serious blogger burnout and lead you away from your overall brand vision. It's important to stay true to yourself and the ethos of the brand you're trying to build, while continually learning and incorporating new ideas to keep things interesting.

With that in mind, I wanted to share a few of my favorite tips from my favorite class at the conference, "30 Tips To Get Great Growth" by Matt Cherry of iBlog Magazine:

1. Create and share more videos. Videos on landing pages convert 80% more readers.
2. Create and share podcasts - it's easier for a reader to download an audio file and pop in some earbuds than to read through an entire thousand word post. Record it!
3. Create a list of social media groups to share and participate in every day.
4. Find, follow and interact with the leading bloggers in my niche. Build a rapport with them and support each other.
5. LinkedIn! Beef up my profile, join and participate in some groups and connect with EVERYONE - even my icons and the people I'm too nervous to send a request to!

These are the top five things I'll be focusing on over the next month or so, and I'm especially excited to see what you will think of my first videos and podcasts. Are there any topics in particular you'd like me to discuss? Do you prefer videos, podcasts or the written word? Leave your thoughts and any requests in the comments!

All in all, Build Your Blog 2015 was amazing, and I will definitely be going back next year - after hustling my butt off in 2015 with the goal of deserving a Blogger of the Year award. I still have a lot more to share from the conference (including Blogger BFF deals & freebies, how to dress for a gala on a budget and tons more!). If you were at the conference, I'd love to hear about your favorite classes and the awesome new ideas you'll be implementing on your blog this spring! Leave your thoughts and your blog links in the comments!

P.S. I still owe you a winner from the Uptown Cheapskate giveaway last month! And the winner is....

Mayra Sissi Biggs

Congrats, Mayra! Happy shopping!

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build your blog 2015

Random cute baby video. Kumquat's favorite word right now is "mama". Those rolls! And those little teeths!!!! Yeah, she might be the cutest baby EVER in the history of the world.

I've recently gone back to work part time, and while the job is great and I recognize that we all have to make a living, it's been hard on me, and on little Kumquat too - I would much rather be able to stay home with her full time... but, I still need to make the moneys.

In my decade+ of blogging, I've never been to a blogger conference - which is why I'm so excited for Build Your Blog 2015, coming up this February in SLC. While we seem to have a lot of blogger expos here in UT, I've always heard the best things about BYB: best networking, best education and content and the best people. I'm looking forward to learning how to transform my modest little operation here into a power brand that can potentially support little Kumquat and myself.

The conference includes three tracks (beginner, intermediate and advanced) to tailor the courses to your blogging level; there are also a number of swanky events for networking and having fun, including the blogger awards gala (I need a dress!) and "ice breakers" throughout the conference. Some of the classes I'm most excited for are "How to use Google+" (seriously, HOW do you use Google+???), "How to pitch yourself" and "Contracts and legal questions" - and let's not forget the brand speed dating (this is where that "How to pitch yourself" class will come in handy!).

Basically, Build Your Blog 2015 has a TON of invaluable info and education and is chock full of awesome networking opportunities for any blogger looking to build your blog into a power brand. Tickets are still available for $199 if you don't already have one - making it one of the least expensive but most valuable blog conferences around (they've even negotiated discounted rates at the Little America for us if you'd like to make a stay/vacation out of it). If you decide to come, drop me an email at jen.booth13@gmail.com so we can meet up!

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recap: uptown cheapskate-sugarhouse grand opening celebration

(my outfit) blouse :: mossimo // leather pencil skirt (1) :: forever 21 \\ asymmetrical leather skirt (2) :: xhilaration // tweedy jacket :: xhilaration \\ pumps :: kardashian kollection // necklace, earrings :: target \\ watch :: gift from my mommy // bracelets :: bebe \\ purse :: downeast basics

Last Thursday night (Oct. 16th) was the grand opening of Uptown Cheapskate's new Sugarhouse store, located just south of the Chevron station on the corner of 13th East and 21st South in Salt Lake City. The store was packed full of beautiful secondhand clothing, and despite the crowd, there was plenty of staff on hand to assist the plethora of customers.

I always love browsing Uptown Cheapskate's racks, but at the grand opening party, I hit an extraordinary stroke of luck and happened upon a gorgeous gray wool/angora Calvin Klein trench that seems to have been pulled straight out of Olivia Pope's divine coat closet for a mere $30, as well as a black and pink tweed coat reminiscent of Jackie O for just $10 and an awesome doctor-bag inspired black & cream purse for $14. Uptown also stocks a selection of new items for less than department store prices, and I picked up a new taupe moto jacket for $30 and a pretty red lace duster cardigan for my sister for just $14 - not to mention the pretty necklace, bracelet and earrings I scored for less than $5 each.

The Sugarhouse store's opening is particularly fortuitous, considering that I've recently decided my closet is in need of a massive redesign to better fit my current aesthetic - the mini skirts I so loved three years ago just aren't cutting it any more. I started clearing it out the weekend after the grand opening celebration, and unloaded a pile of clothing that was sucking up valuable space for a pretty penny (of course, you can always opt for store credit to get more bang for your secondhand buck).

Regardless of whether or not you decide to schlep a bag of your old stuff on down to Uptown Cheapskate, you should definitely take a minute (or an entire evening) to swing by the new location and check out their inventory. The store is chock full of great stuff you won't find anywhere else, and beautiful brand name items can be found here for a fraction of the original price. The spacious store is well staffed and has both a men's and women's section, and features plenty of dressing rooms with conveniently labeled hooks upon which to organize your finds. It's easy to find, and with plenty of parking available in the dedicated garage behind it (a rarity in Sugarhouse!), it should be your first stop on your fall shopping trip this year!

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utah's flea market season kicks off in style at the second annual vintage whites market in salt lake city

outfit - moto jacket :: bebe | dress :: bohme | tights :: bebe | boots :: aldo | belt :: charlotte russe (I think) | sunglasses :: juicy couture | earrings :: bohme | starfish cuff :: shopcalico | leather wristband :: c/o salvage west | bag :: volcom

When I left for the Vintage Whites Market Saturday morning, I was under the delusion I had done a decent job of hiding my baby bump - a dream that was shattered within moments of arriving when vendors immediately began directing me to collections of baby stuff. At seven months in, I've finally lost the battle for my abdomen; I did, however, win the vintage-baby-shopping game by snagging some pretty sweet stuff for Baby Kumquat at killer prices that afternoon.

After a full day of shopping, I typically come home to almost instantaneous regret over how much money I spent - Saturday's Vintage Whites Market in downtown Salt Lake City was a rare exception. In fact, I spent the rest of the weekend mourning the items I passed up and wishing I could go back. I did, however, score a beautiful lavender dresser from Sweet Pea Pickers for Kumquat's nursery, in addition to a red vintage purse from Maeberry Vintage, some killer jewelry from Freckles & Company, an adorable floral newborn dress from 58 Bluebirds and a random assortment of odds and ends (like skeleton keys and a couple of old brooches) from a few different vendors that I spent Sunday turning into jewelry.

The Second Annual Vintage Whites Market, held at the Utah State Fairgrounds on March 8th, was flat out amazing and a huge success from my perspective. Unfortunately, I arrived a little late and missed the fashion show, but there was still plenty to do and see. While it's true that the best selection is available first thing in the morning, before the booths are picked over, the end of the day is the best time for bartering - especially for larger/more expensive items, like Kumquat's new dresser. The gal at the Sweet Pea Pickers booth was absolutely adorable and gave me a great deal, and her dad was even kind enough to lug my new acquisition out to my car for me.

The Vintage Whites Market was the perfect kick-off to this year's garage sale and flea market season, with plenty more to come. Click here for a calendar of upcoming events in Utah, and make sure to subscribe to the blog for reminders, sneak previews and tons of pretty pictures (use Bloglovin' or Google Reader, or subscribe via email, to your right).

Did you make it to Saturday's Vintage Whites Market, or did you attend one of the other events in the Salt Lake area that afternoon? Share your thoughts in the comments.



If you're organizing a market or event and would like your event featured or listed on this website, please feel free to drop me an email at jennifer@frayed-threads.com with the details.

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you're invited: vintage whites market in salt lake city

the entrance to last year's vintage whites market

the invite to this year's affair

the schedule for the 2014 vintage whites market in salt lake city

If you missed last year's Vintage Whites Market at the Utah State Fairgrounds, you definitely missed out. Packed full of great vendors and awesome vintage goodies, it came complete with some crafty classes and a killer fashion show. Check out this post for more about last year's event and some tips for vintage shopping.

Lucky for you (and for all Utah style & vintage addicts), we don't have to wait much longer for our second fix. The Second Annual Vintage Whites Market in Salt Lake City will be held tomorrow, March 8th, from 10am to 5pm at the Utah State Fairgrounds. The vendors will have everything from vintage clothing and accessories to antique furniture, decor, appliances and kitchenware. Last year, I snagged a few bagfuls of vintage jewelry in addition to a beautiful red purse and a black clutch that are absolutely my favorites for going out, all for less than $50 bucks. This year, I'm hoping to find some neat stuff to deck out Baby Kumquat's nursery and some jewelry in slight disrepair that can be broken down for my accessory making operation.

This year's affair, like last year's, will also feature a number of crafty classes and a vintage fashion show. Scroll up for tomorrow's schedule, and get the full scoop on Facebook. Admission is just $6 for the day, and gets you into the market as well as all of the events (except for the paper wreath making class - there is an extra charge for supplies and it requires a reservation). There will be food vendors, but for the full experience, I suggest booking the High Tea Luncheon - but do it fast, because it does require a reservation and pre-payment.

I'll be hanging around the market most of the day, so be sure to drop me a line if you make it down (email is great - jennifer@frayed-threads.com). I hope to see you there!

For more details and giveaways, be sure to check out the Vintage Whites gals on Facebook and the VWM Blog. You can also find all of the event info for tomorrow's market here, and check back Sunday for a recap of the market and fashion show.

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better late than never: march's vintage white market in Salt Lake City

my outfit - floral dress :: prabal gurung x target | lace up boots :: forever 21 | tights :: forever 21 | messenger bag :: maurice's | necklace :: rue 21

A few snapshots from the Vintage Whites Market, held at the Utah State Fairgrounds here in Salt Lake City a few weekends ago, as well as an inventory of my fantastic haul from the event and the obligatory self-outfit-portrait. Spent less $$$ than a day at the mall, had more fun and the options were much more interesting than anything found in a chain store. Please don't misunderstand - I heart my Forever 21 and H&M - but vintage is definitely the best way to go when searching for those truly unique statement pieces that will make your wardrobe stand apart.

I've been perusing vintage racks since I first discovered fashion blogs (let's just say it's been a while), though I rarely make a purchase. In my mind, a vintage item is a treasure - it should be a thing of beauty, even in its age (which it should show in a ladylike way). Everything has a story to tell, and good vintage pieces have the best ones. As I grow increasingly bored with my wardrobe, I've found myself gravitating more and more frequently towards the vintage pieces I currently own. I suspect I will be adding to this collection heavily this spring.

Some tips & hints for newbie vintage shoppers:

• Vintage usually refers to something made or manufactured at least 10 years ago.
• Check pieces over carefully for flaws - hems and seams of clothing, hinges and lining of purses, clasps and hooks of jewelry. Look for missing beadwork, jewels, buttons, stuck zippers, stains, etc., and always sniff any fabric before buying.
• Keep in mind that even flawed or broken items can be given second life. They can usually be repaired on the cheap, or turned into something new (like a single earring into a necklace, or a broken brooch sewn onto a purse as a button).
• Google the brandname on the tag to get an idea of a garment's worth and timeframe, this can help you decide if it's worth the price the vendor is charging.
• Quirky is wonderful, but don't do quirky for the sake of quirky. It should be something you'll want to wear even when you're not trying to impress any fashionista friends.
• If the idea of vintage clothing turns you off, try vintage accessories (jewelry and clutches are my favorite pieces), furniture (usually takes some restoration work, but well worth it) or decor (I'm still hunting for my dream antique jewelry box).
• Vintage items are the closest you can get to purely unique in today's fashion world without handmaking your own clothes. They're a great way to spice up your look while being kind to the environment.

LoveCharles Vintage is by far my favorite online vintage shop; Lily is great and has some truly amazing pieces. Locally speaking, BlueBird Vintage has some beautiful items (my pretty red bag came from their booth at the Vintage Whites Market). What are some of your favorite vintage shops (both online and off)? Share them in the comments, along with your best tips for vintage shopping.

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ski mogul world cup + spring trenducation ebook (btw, it's free!)

A few snaps from last night's FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. The Boy and I hiked up the side of a very frozen mountain with some friends to watch skiers fly down the track at ridiculous speeds (admittedly, I cheated - I rode the chair lift most of the way up. Someone had to take the 5 year old!).

January was a bit of a crazy month, as one might have noticed by the radio silence held over the blog. February promises more excitement, however - you can look forward to my first e-book, Trenducation: Spring 2013, around Valentine's Day Single's Awareness Day. The book will contain everything any stylish gal needs to know about this spring's trends, fashion, clothes and beauty, plus tons of inspiration, advice and more to help you transition your winter wardrobe into spring.

The best part? It won't cost you a penny - all of my subscribers will be able to download my spring trend e-book for free! All you have to do is send me an email with your Google Friend Connect or Blog Lovin' username and let me know that you want the e-book, and I'll send it to you in PDF form.

If you're not yet a subscriber, don't fret! Use the buttons on the left side of the blog to subscribe via GFC, Blog Lovin' or email, then drop me a line to introduce yourself so I know where to send the goods.

I'll start sending the e-book out on the 14th, but you can get your name on the VIP list by signing up for the release now - and because I know you're too excited to wait till then for all the trendy goodness it contains, those who sign up by February 10th will receive a preview chapter and will be the first to get the book the day it's released. How cool is that?

While we're on the subject, I'm on the lookout for bloggers to include in the e-book's Spring Inspiration Photo Gallery and their thoughts on this spring's fashion - the trends, the clothes, the beauty, the underlying feel of the 2013 season - to include in my Ask the Experts section. If you're interested in having your photo or style advice published in my e-book, email me with your submission, contact info and link to your blog and we'll talk! Chosen submissions will include the blogger's name, blog address and social media info (hint: this is a huge opportunity for publicity!).

Questions, comments, submissions? 

Comment below or email me at jennifer@frayed-threads.com.

*A note: All submissions will be read and considered, but not all will be published due to length constrictions. Some edits (grammar, spelling, etc - none creative) may be suggested for publishing. Editorial discretion is left entirely to the author.

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the answer is 42

a few images from my Pinterest board, The Answer is 42. check out the list here & the picture version here.

click on the image to see the orignal source (if available).

I love Saturdays - the morning was spent sleeping in too late, and the afternoon wasted on Pinterest. I've created a new collection of visual inspiration to accompany my 42 list; I've recently realized that dreams don't do me any good if I'm not working to achieve them. To that end, I've spent some time re-evaluating my life and weeding out habits (and people) which no longer hold a positive influence for me. The Answer is 42 may look like a bucket list upon first glance, but it is by no means a traditional one; most of the items are character oriented and personality quirks. The Pinterest board is another form of motivation to work towards those changes and achieve my goals.

Halloween is Samhain to the Celts - the death of the old year and birth of a new. 

This year is going to be a very different one for me.

Sometimes I feel like I say that so often that it's lost its meaning... But I've come to the realization that if things don't change now, they never will, and I refuse to let this be my life forever. I refuse to spend my life working for someone else's dream.

In addition to the new blog design, a new month means a new list of adventures to have. I know it's a bit late, but that just means packing more into the weeks I have left. I only made it about halfway through September's list, so I've pulled a few things across and added some items from my List of Epic Shit To Do. I find that I generally enjoy life more when I have some kind of a social life - even if it's by myself.

On that note, I'm excited to be attending the premiere of the Utah Opera's performance of Verdi's Il Trovatore at the Capitol Theatre tonight. They were kind enough to invite me to opening night, and although I have been to the symphony (when I was much, much younger), I've never had the opportunity to see an opera performance and I am so excited/honored to be going. I realize this is Utah, and red carpet events (yes, there's even a red carpet!) may lack the pomp and circumstance of other, more exciting locales, but there is something undeniably glamorous and deeply intriguing about opera and the symphony and theatre. I've already found the perfect dress and accompanying accessories, and I've been doing some research so I don't look like a complete n00b when attempting to discuss the performance with other guests - pretty much the only thing that could make this any cooler would be arriving in a limo... or if one of my awesome friends/readers wanted to purchase tickets and join me.

1. Attend the opera.

2. Ride a rollar coaster/ferris wheel/other awesome amusement park ride.

3. Get my filing done (not really epic unless you know how backed up it is...).

4. Have a glass of (really good) wine.

5. Celebrate one year.

6. Rock some awesomely bold lipstick.

7. Go stargazing.

8. Take myself out to dinner at an awesome restaurant. (Would love some recommendations!)

9. Hit 120 blog followers (currently: GFC=81; Bloglovin'=25; total=106).

10. Go for a walk.

11. Go to a haunted house.

12. Write something every day.
13. Finish something.

What are your plans for October?

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