The Central Park Frock

This is the dress I wore on the streets of New York City yesterday. Beth of The Stories of A to Z and I got tickets to see The Nate Berkus show and both of us were excited to choose what we would wear. The audience was made up of design bloggers who had started this #nate twitter movement. Many had flown in, some as far as California and in addition had spent hundreds of dollars on hotel fare.

The instructions were given to wear 'bright' colors and man did I fit that bill. I felt a little out of place in the midst of the other real new yorkers on the street but I felt really proud of the dress so any uncomfortable feelings were just a side note.

I have seen these backs in a couple dresses out by independent designers recently and wanted to try it myself. I liked that you have a little back showing but can still wear a bra. I made the length of the skirt longer to balance out the risky back but I really struggled with this decision. I still don't know what looks better but this is what I went with for the big day.

The front was also fun for me too. The white piping was just perfect against the apple red. I included a peter pan collar that lined a scoop neckline. As well as sailor button that lined the front and a pintucked rectangled piece in the front midsection.

I received so many compliments from the other bloggers and felt a little silly saying that I made it as well. But everyone was so friendly and open. They were made up of mostly home decor bloggers, which I don't follow as much, BUT Megan of Modern Bird Studios was there, one of my previous guest giveaways. So that was great to meet someone I knew in person.

The show was a first for me. I've only attended 'live' tapings. The atmosphere of The Nate Show was more personal. They can stop, go back, and retake a clip. It's different. PLUS, Beth and I were so close to the action. I felt almost on top of them. They were seating people not by place in line but at their own discretion. When Beth and I got to the hostess she instructed us to seats in the front row all cushioned and inches away from Nate. It was a lot of pressure. There were many times I felt like my mouth quiver from the amount of smiling I was doing. I was just never sure if we were on tv or not? Like I said, pressure.

The warm up woman instructed us that as Nate would walk out he might come up to one of us, shake our hand, etc. And to my surprise, he walked out, waved to all of us, saw me and SHOOK MY HAND and began his intro. So surreal. I never get picked for the fun things. I told Beth it must have been phosphorescent red dress which caught his eye.

Beth sat beside, Emily, the winner of Design Star and might have been on camera the whole time they were interviewing her. It was so weird. But it made the experience a hundred times better.

I've read a lot of bloggers write about the experience. For some reason, it was never mentioned that the show was made up of design bloggers and none of the bloggers interviewed had their blog plugged. A lot of bloggers were upset. I just wonder if the producers had made a conscious effort to do that. And if so, why? It just made no sense.

But after the show, Nate sat down and answered our questions and seemed genuinely appreciative which makes me think it was an issue with production.

At any rate, we had a great time and I was just grateful for the experience. Thanks again Beth for the tickets AND taking the great photos!