My First Conference Experience

This weekend I attended the Simply Stylist Conference in NYC! As a new blogger I’ve been looking for opportunities to learn more about blogging. When I saw the Simply Stylist Fashion & Beauty Conference was going to be in my area I knew I had to go.

I truly had no clue what to expect so I’m sharing my experience with you! Plus some pictures from the event.

Before I arrived I was expecting-

• A LOT of people. Nope! While there were plenty of bloggers/stylists/beauty experts to meet and mingle with I never once felt overwhelmed or lost in a sea of people.
• Is there a dress code for this!? Considering the name is ‘Simply Stylist’ I assumed people would be dressed very trendy, but I was worried that I might be over or under dressed. If you ever attend something like this, wear anything you feel good in! It was so sweet to see everyone rocking their own unique style. Whatever you choose, make sure it says ‘you’.
• To need a bag full of supplies to get me through the day. Ugh, my biggest regret was filling my Long Champ to the brim with things I might need. As per usual, I didn’t touch 95% of the items I packed. Yes, as the saying goes it’s better to be over-prepared, but I was loathing my decision to bring so much after toting around my (hehe) tote for 5 hours. Try sticking to only a few necessities. You don’t need all of your makeup or 5 other options of lip stain. You’ll be too busy meeting people and taking notes to worry about any of that. *I also highly suggest an over the shoulder bag. The more free hands the better.

Additional Tips-

• Don’t go on a boozy night out the night before the event. Second biggest regret. For my birthday my bestie and I went to see Wicked on Friday night. Naturally we had a little wine before, a little wine during, and a little wine after the show. To say the least, my head did not feel great the next morning. You’ll want to feel your absolute best and not be combating a mini hangover through such a long day. Lesson learned.
• Have business cards. I found that nearly everyone had a card, and if you only had a quick second to chat with someone it was the perfect way to quickly exchange information. Plus, your business card is a little representation of you! I loved seeing everyones personality reflected in their cards.
• Talk to everyone. People wouldn’t be attending if they weren’t looking to learn and meet people that share their interests. Introduce yourself, be a little overly friendly, and mostly be approachable! You never know who you’re going to meet 🙂
• Follow up. Follow back, send a message, or subscribe to their blog. One overarching theme I learned on Saturday is the value of bringing others up and supporting one another.

Keep scrolling for pictures from the event and what I wore!

Obsessing over this slip!! Green has always been a color I’m drawn towards, add the lace slit, I just couldn’t put it down.

The full look! Lots of layering going on today. Tights were a must and the turtle neck body suit brought this slip from night to day. Still keeping things a little edgy with the leather boots and jacket.

Linking everything below!

 Panel discussion with Jacey Duprie of Damsel in Dior, Kat Tanita of With Love From Kat, and fashion illustrator Holly Nichols. 

  The incredibly talented Holly Nichols doing on the spot illustrations of attendees’ outfits. Wow! Blown away by her skills.

Check her out here.

Hosted at YOTEL in Midtown NYC.

I had such a great time getting to know so many of these ladies! You should get to know them too!

Check out there awesome blogs –

Invisible Crowne | Karen Ever After

---

Dress: Urban Outfitters | Shoes: Aldo | Bodysuit: American Apparel | Jacket: Tommy Hilfiger

---

Simply Stylist beyond exceeded my expectations. Not only did I get to hear from some of the best bloggers, stylists, and girl bosses in the fashion industry (see all the panelists here), but I got to meet so many great people!

I hope this helps anyone looking to attend a conference like this.

Have a great Sunday everyone 🙂

……..

*Melissa