THE CITIZEN INDEX

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Blooming with Helga, Part 1



Recently I enjoyed a little adventure that took me to another town, and a bit out of my comfort zone. I hinted about it last week here on the blog, and for those of you who follow me on Twitter, I blurted it outright: "Holy Feck! I'm am off to meet the F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S and I'm beside myself with excitement." 

A BIG, BIG thanks to these lovely sponsors, Karina Dresses and Tooth Soap for making this adventure possible. Without their support and the assistance of travel agent extraordinaire, Christy Jourdan of  The Vacationistas, I would NOT have had the opportunity to make this dream come true.
Blooming with Helga is brought to you by the bright smiles of all-natural Tooth Soap
Let me back up a little: several months ago, I got word from one of my all-time favorite bloggers that she was coming to the States, and would I want to meet her?  After a few false starts, I finally did, not in San Francisco as originally planned, but in Portland, Oregon. For those of you who are in a hurry, here is the short version-

The Short Version:
I recently traveled to Portland, Oregon, where I met the fabulous Helga Von Trollop and made some new friends.  My life will never be the same.
The following is part one of the Not-So-Short Version:



Last week, I caught a bus from Seattle, Washington and headed to Portland, Oregon, and checked into the Jupiter Hotel in downtown Portland. I unpacked, and strolled the bustling avenue of East Burnside. Beguiling eateries, and tantalizing shops beckoned me. I ate delicious artisanal pizza from Sizzle Pie, and slurped down several well priced and hand-crafted beers, and I waited like a giddy schoolgirl. Ok, a buzzed and giddy school girl.  I returned to the Jupiter, and paced around my rather cute and cozy hotel room.
Late night, I answerd a knock on my door, and upon opening, I heard the musical lilt and saw the beautiful face of the utterly mesmerizing Helga Von Trollop. Helga, for the sad souls who do not know, is a fashion blogger, hailing from New Zealand. Her eponymous style blog, Helga Von Trollop has a zealous + devoted following, me among them. Bold,  vintage infused, with a touch of bawdy, Helga rocks an original style the hugs her curves + takes no prisoners.  Helga also just so happens to be over 40 years of age, but that doesn't really describe her- Helga's style fits no category other than FABULOUS.

Helga and her charming sidekick, G, have been touring the States this summer.  They made Portland one of their stops so they could meet some Portland blogger buddies, and lucky for me: ME!  The knock of the door was the knock of that opportunity- I answered the knock and saw with my own eyes the salt-of-the-earth-goddess that is Helga. I met, face to face, Helga-Fecking-Von-Trollop, looking a whole foot shorter than I imagined her, but twice a beautiful.


A Coffee Pick-Me-Up:  G and Helga outside Portland's Grendel's Coffee House
We made plans for the next day, and met in the morning for coffee. That's when I met the equally charming G, Helga's partner of 20 years.  Both were adorably dressed, G in an smart vintage navy military jacket, a cardinal red T-shirt, and a great pair of bright green Converse kicks. Helga was sporting her new Karina dress, a gift from me + my sponsors, the nice folks at Karina Dresses. She looked effortlessly elegant in the hot pink print, and had bloomed madly with her pink floral head scarf,  vintage tapestry rose pendant, big brass hoop earrings, and a wicked wicker handbag. There IS form to her function: Helga wearing a cute but comfy pair of tan leather Hush Puppies sandals, proves that you can be stylish, and immensely practical. We were going to be on our feet all day, and Helga was ready for it!

Next up: the blogger meet-up. Tune in tomorrow and join in on the fun!


22 comments:

Kitty said...

Awesome!! Isn't she just a doll?!

mispapelicos said...

I have just been to helga´s blog and I am soooooooooo jealous, but pleased for all of you to meet.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Curtise said...

Can't be TOO jealous, since I got to meet Vix... But I am a little bit envious! It looks as though you all had such a great time. Helga and G are fabulous! xxxx

Anonymous said...

OMG Helga is a real goddess!!I'd love to meet her too and G is not only a sidekick, but a hero!! I'm in the jealous club too!! You are both amazing women and I'm sure that you had a great time in Portland!!!
xxxx

thorne garnet said...

Looking forward to part 2

Vix said...

I can't wait to meet them all in the flesh! We chat regularly on SKYPE but real-life will be even more exciting. xxx

Patti said...

Oh lucky, lucky, all three of you! It looks like the best of times, and you all look so stylish and cool. Can't wait to read more. Yay for the fab Karina dresses, too.

Joanna said...

Ohhh the suspense! Love it!! I'd love to visit Portland one day ...tell us all about it Ms. Rose:))

SeƱora Allnut said...

woouu, you lucky lady!!, you've met Fabulous Helga & G. in person!!!, it's like meeting a rock star you love!!
can't wait to watch/read more about this meeting!!
besos

Equine Bovine said...

<3

Sarah Jane said...

I've loved reading about the adventures of you Helga and Krista. It sounds like a blast. Lookin forward to part 2! xx

Beryl said...

Oh Bella! You got to meet Helga and do Summer Thrift Shopping in Portland. How fabulous! (I love Portland in the Summer!)

Tooth Soap® said...

Too much fun, I love it!!! :-D

Anonymous said...

It's too cool that your sponsors made this happen. I know that even at a distance I was looking forward to your meet-up. And I love the photo of G. smooching Helga!

Helga said...

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!
It was just TOO FABULOUS!!!
I'm still so very excited! Wish we could hang out every day,though!!!
You are so sweet,and you make me sound and look so good!I'll keep you on,lucious wench!!!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Lynn Hasty said...

Sounds like great fun!! How cool to get to meet someone you admire and begin an in-person friendship! Look forward to reading more.

xoxo
Lynn

Melanie said...

You have taken one of the best photos of Helga and G that I have seen. You and Helga look magnificent in your Karina dresses! I'm looking forward to reading about your escapades.

Krista said...

Bella these pictures are too sweet! I love getting to see a bit before we met up. I love the shots in your room too, the wallpaper me love and you too my dear!!!
XXOO
Krista

Miss Simmonds Says said...

I'm so jealous of your meet up - though I have met darling Vix and Lakota. I always imagine Helga to be 6ft"

Stacey said...

I am very jealous of you meeting Helga! When Helga was last in Aus I missed her visit by one day because I couldn't get the day off work! I'd love to meet both of you one day.

Monsterchen said...

omg both of you look like glamourous filmstars;) love that picture of you and helga, and i want your frocks;) and those pink boots;)
kiss,mary
http://maryloucinnamon.blogspot.com

doradadama said...

I enjoyed how you detailed explained the whole meeting of gorgeous bloggeras story.
The shots in your room are beautiful amor. Portland is beautifully inviting!
besotes