Bloggers’ Day Off: NYE with FTD

Back to reality we go…

How are the holiday cookie hangovers coming along? Coffee, my friends — all of the coffee.

New York City fashion bloggers

I’m so freakin’ excited for today’s post… Partially because I’ve been dying for an excuse to style this shirt.

But first: Honesty hour.

Admittedly, I’ve never been the biggest New Year’s Eve advocate.

In theory, it should be a great holiday — one that entails a fresh haircut (and color), a sparkle-infused mani and an outfit chose at least a week in advance.

Despite the hype, it tends to be one of those overrated weekends in which most of your time is spent waiting in line — be it for coat check, the bar or the bathroom (unless you’re at a table, and those days, my friends, are behind this reformed party girl). I’m sure you can relate, no?

one shirt two ways stylehow to style a t-shirt two ways

In reality, New Year’s Eve is pretty much like every experience I’ve ever had at a nail salon.

Meaning, I never allow my nails ample time to dry — because, as we rationalize, that extra 60 seconds won’t really make a difference. Will it? Isn’t “almost dry” and “actually dry” pretty much the same thing? (No.)

So, you leave the salon a mere minute prematurely and ultimately chip or smudge at least one of your gorgeously painted nail. In other words, a lot of prep work, a shitload of money and ultimately, a slightly disappointing experience.

… New Year’s Eve, amiright?

nyc blogger collaboration

This year, however, is a welcome departure from those tired traditions.

nyc fashion blogs

Jess and I are bound for the Golden State — where we’re having a football-filled weekend at the Rose Bowl with FTD, the spectacle’s official floral sponsor (and an affiliate of the tournament for more than 60 years).

If you’re not familiar with the Rose Bowl — or Rose Parade — it’s a celebration of flower-covered floats that’s more than a century old. Think flowers, football, parades, parking lot parties — and most importantly, men in uniform(s).

YAAAS! Err, YAY!

Urban Outfitters foil balloons GIRLS_3 faux leather blazer

Upon arrival in (hopefully) sunny California, our first order of business is getting a behind-the-scenes look at the float-building process.

Accordingly, FTD puts in more than 1,120 hours of labor to decorate their vehicles in the Rose Parade (six of ’em total). Each is decorated with nearly 20 different types of flowers and — get this — more than 300 pounds worth of flowers!

gold foil letter balloons bloggers day off shirts

letter foil balloons

Though we’re eager to treat a few days in the sunshine as as a mini-vacation (Bloggers’ Day Off, baby!), we’ll be live tweeting and Instagram’ing — as well as sharing updates on FTD’s blog.

This past year is proof that life moves (very) quickly, which can cause our happiest occasions to get lost in the shuffle of stress and self-concern — and I’m looking forward to reinstating New Year’s as a momentous annual milestone.

I hope you’ll follow along in our shenanigans!

chandon champagne pour on the funsequin shoes boots

*In this post:

Faux leather-sleeved blazer: Zara
Blogger’s Day Off tee: Purchased in Europe (similar styles here, love this one)
Foil balloons: Urban Outfitters
Skinny jeans: c/o Old navy (the best!)
Glitter-finish booties: Markus Lupfer (sold out, similar here and here)
Lipstick: NARS matte lip pencil in ‘Never Say Never’
Nail polish: Essie in ‘Sole Mate’
Crystal mason ring: BaubleBar

Click here to see & shop Jessica’s outfit

Click to shop: women’s blazers | graphic t-shirts
this post (below):

gold foil party balloons

 

///

Lydia Hudgens Photography

28 comments

  1. So exciting! I always find NYE a bit underwhelming for all the prep involved. What I enjoy most is the calmness between midnight and 2am, once the heels and perfectly styled outfit have been replaced by slippers and leggings. I always, always cry and spend the next hour or so chatting with friends and family about the year ahead. Question now is, who will you be cheering for at the Rose Bowl?

  2. Re: New Years, I totally agree that it’s not as fun as it seems to celebrate in NYC. We started hosting a party at our place a few years ago, and it’s much more fun than braving the bar scene. I saw the Rose Bowl floats being assembled one year with my parents & it was amazing! It’s so fascinating how they use all of the flowers and seeds. It also smells fantastic! Have a great time in Cali with Jess!

    xo
    Sam

  3. You gals are going to have the best time - can’t wait to follow along and see all the floral goodness :) On the NYE note: For the past few years, we’ve been celebrating at home or at a close friend’s with our tight knit group of people and there is NO WHERE else I’d rather be. We still like to dress up, but gone are the days of fighting the crowds for an over-priced drink that will more than likely get spilled after some drunk dude bumps you a little too hard.

  4. That’s so awesome about going to the Rose Bowl! I’ve heard amazing things, and it will be awesome to see those gorgeous floats in person! You’re so lucky you’re escaping this cold. Hope you get a good tan, girl, and have a good New Year!

  5. I sure hope this NYE is one for the books!! I can’t wait to see all the fun you two ladies have!! I always can’t wait to read the hilarious stories that I am sure you will have when you return.

    Xo
    Brittany

  6. I could not agree more about New Year’s Eve - I would much rather be at a house party or at home in my pjs with champagne and the ball dropping on tv, than at a crowded club getting champs spilled on my new dress.

    Congrats on the exciting venture with Jessica - I am sure you both will have a great time! It is a special way to ring in the New Year - make it a good one! :)

    ~ Christina
    http://www.mabellechristina.blogspot.com

  7. I am so totally with you about NYE. Way too much hype. I’d rather stay home in my pjs. Sounds like you are going to have SO much fun this year! Can’t wait to hear about your trip!

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

  8. Not sure if it’s Jess’ arm or Hallie’s with the gold tattoo? Is it temporary? What does it say? And where can I get one? Love it!

  9. Pingback: Neon shoes & a striped midi skirt | @coralsncognacs

  10. Pingback: Outfit Outtakes | Blogger Bloopers

  11. Pingback: Derby-ready | @halliekwilson

What do you think?