Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Las Vegas with The Sassy Owl Boutique to attend Magic, the massive market event at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For those unfamiliar, Magic is where boutique owners and fashion businesses go to shop for their next season’s inventory—all in just a few whirlwind days. It’s a fast-paced, exhausting experience, but it’s also one of the most exhilarating parts of being in the fashion industry.

One of the biggest takeaways from this trip? Bows are going to be HUGE for the fall/winter season. We saw them everywhere, in all shapes and sizes, and I’m excited to see how they’re incorporated into the latest styles. Keep an eye out, because this trend is definitely going to make a statement!

When we weren’t shopping, we made the most of our time in Vegas. We caught a show at the Sphere, which was absolutely mind-blowing. We also relied heavily on the monorail to get around—it’s such a convenient way to navigate the city. And of course, no trip to the West Coast would be complete without a stop at In-N-Out Burger. Let me just say, their burgers are as good as ever.

One of the highlights of the trip for me was the time I spent just walking around with my camera, letting the city inspire me. I only brought my 50mm lens with me, which meant I was a bit limited in the types of shots I could take. But in the end, that limitation turned into a creative challenge. I’m really pleased with how the photos turned out—I think the constraint of using just one focal length pushed me to see things differently and get more creative with my compositions.

One of the most memorable moments happened one evening on the strip in front of the Bellagio fountain show. I stumbled upon a drummer who was playing his heart out, and I couldn’t resist getting in on the fun. I handed him $20 and asked him to play “MMMBop.” Not only did he nail it, but he also let me request another song afterward. Of course, I chose “My Hero” by Foo Fighters. I may or may not have gotten a little emotional..

This trip was also a first for me—my first time away from my baby boy. That alone made it tough, but it was even more challenging because two days before I left, he was diagnosed with croup. As if that wasn’t enough, the minute I got on the plane, I started running a fever. It turned out to be bronchitis, and I was sick the entire time I was in Vegas. Thankfully, I tested negative for COVID, so I toughed it out and made the best of the situation. My husband is still recovering too, so whatever bug our little one brought home from daycare really packed a punch!

Despite the challenges, I’m already looking forward to the next Magic event in Vegas. There’s something about the energy of the city and the excitement of the market that keeps drawing me back to be my best friends’ bag-holder and opinion-speaker. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next time!