I hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween!  My roommates and I had a “harvest gathering” full of delicious food, drinks, and board games at our apartment.

Before hand however, I went to an event that was for a great cause: Cocktails in Character.  This fundraiser was held at Hotel Lafayette in downtown Buffalo, on behalf of Literacy NY: Western New York’s sole provider of free one-on-one adult literacy services.  As an English major currently observing in local high schools, I understand the importance of being literate and a good education at any age.  There were various basket raffles, silent auctions, cheese and wine tasting, hard cider sampling, and free cupcakes for everyone!  There were tours of the recently renovated Hotel and for VIPs a free copies of Timothy Bohen’s Against the Grain. Baskets included anything from $20 gift certificates to a week’s stay in Vegas!  The “who’s who” of WNY were present such as NY Senator Timothy Kennedy, who supports a cause dear to my heart: workplace protection for interns.

Although a majority of the crowd did not wear costumes originally, the guests trickled in wearing anything from Audrey Hepburn to Holden Caulfield as time progressed.  Formal wear was also acceptable.  A competitive costume contest ensued with an Edible Arrangement bouquet as the prize!  Congrats to Mice and Men for the big win!

 Some of my friends who happen to be Fashion Columnists at Canisius, as well as an intern for Forged in Buffalo and I planned an Alice and Wonderland theme.  I had the honor of dressing as the Mad Hatter!

The food was delightful and the musical entertainment added to the ambiance.  At roughly $40-100 a ticket, you could tell from the packed rooms that the event was quite successful.  Next year’s event will take place around the same time, make sure to check it out.

Also, my co-fashion columnist and photographer for the UB Spectrum, Victoria Benetiz and I had the opportunity to meet Rebecca Minkoff, famous fashion designer, today at Tony Walker and Co’s meet and greet event!  November is looking pretty good already.