Well I am back from what had to be one of the best fun and motivating weekends I’ve ever had! The Blogger Brilliance Conference gave me the expected and unexpected brilliance that I needed. A big thank you to Kristin from the Bon Bon Rose Girls for organizing this event so close to home. I really hope to do this again next year!
Here are the highlights of the weekend!
Photo courtesy of Kirstin Marie
A stellar and super informative panel: I loved that the panel portion of the conference were so intimate in the sense that there was a good size group as opposed to a gazillion people that could’ve made me feel super overwhelmed. The panel, which included rock stars like Vahni from Grit and Glamour, Christina from Pretty Shiny Sparkly, and Jody from Live FabuLESS were so comfortable and passionate about the topics they discussed. From creating content that is unique to treating your blog as a business when working with brands, they were incredibly engaging. For great nuggets of blogging advice, check out Kirstin’s coverage of the conference.
I also loved that we were able to chat with them inbetween panel sessions as well as at the mixer. Vahni is just as much of a rockstar as she is on her blog and Christina lived up to her Sparkleness with her bubbly personality and amazing Miu Mius! Getting to know them both in person makes reading their blogs even that much more engaging. They live what they teach about being authentic and true to yourself in blogging.
Tim Gunn is just as fabulous in person. Can I just say how much of a Tim Gunn Groupie I am?? He is one of the main reasons I still continue to watch Project Runway. When I found out he was hosting a fashion show that afternoon I had a blogger squee moment and he didn’t disappoint! Not only was a great host, he gave priceless advice on how to dress in the no-nonsense yet extremely practical way that he is known for. Stay tuned later today for video from the event!
Another Tim Gunn surprise? He happened to be having dinner in the same place the conference mixer was being held. I didn’t even realize he was there until I heard his voice from a table only a few feet away from where I was standing (can I just say I died again that day?!). He took time out from his evening to say hi to each one of us. He was so sweet and charming, looking crisp and clean in his suit!
MJ, Kara, and Veronica
Photo courtesy of Kirstin Marie
Kirstin , MJ, and Kara
A Girlfriend Bond that is priceless: Kirstin, Kara, Veronica, and I attended the conference together and after this trip I have truly found a group of girlfriends that I hang it with all the time! Not only did we attend all the festivities together we had an amazing thrift shopping trip before heading home. When you can go to someone and say “This piece is totally you” you know you’ve clicked! It’s amazing to have people around you that not only share the same passion as you but just get it when it comes to blogging and living out your dream through it. We are all navigating this blogosphere together and it makes the blogging journey that much more fulfilling!
{White Button Down Shirt: JCPenny; Grey Vest: Unknown; Striped Tie: George; Black Capri Pants: JCPenny; Strap Wedges: Soda}
{Black Chandelier Earrings: H&M}
Fashion By Alicia (@fashionbyalicia)
/ September 21, 2011I wish I would have gotten to meet you! Fun photos!
MJ
/ September 21, 2011Aww thank you! I hear they are already planning for next year so I’m totally going to be there!
Natalia
/ September 20, 2011It was so nice to meet you at the Bloggers lounge on Saturday! Great job on the blog!
http://www.fashionablylateblog.com
MJ
/ September 20, 2011Same here! Thank you!
Kristin & Megan (@BonBonRoseGirls)
/ September 20, 2011I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It was lovely meeting you and I hope we’ll see you at the next one!
MJ
/ September 20, 2011I was a pleasure meeting you as well and I will definitely be at the next one!
Best Of Palm Beach
/ September 19, 2011Aww MJ I had so much fun with you girls this weekend. I too am glad that we have found each other and can grow together in this journey of ours. Thank you for the kind words and look forward to our next hang.
MJ
/ September 20, 2011Our next hang will be soon because a little birdie told me it was somebody’s birthday this week!
Kara
/ September 19, 2011Teary-eyed! I’m so happy that we all get along so well and have the same goals and can push and support each other. This weekend was a blast- I feel like I’m moving in slow motion today (sleeping in didn’t help getting my post done bright and early…) Thanks for not posting “that picture” hehe.
MJ
/ September 19, 2011Girl I was getting all mushy inside too just typing it! I meant every word and it was just crazy how well we got along!
I don’t even know how I got to work this morning I was soo sleepy!
“that picture” LOL! Your a trip!
kirstinmarie
/ September 19, 2011I LOVE that picture of you that Kara took with the flowers. I saw it in my email this morning was all excited. haha. I had such a great time with you, I cannot wait for future trips!! <3
MJ
/ September 19, 2011I loved it too! She did such an amazing job! Cannot wait until we make our NY Fashion week trip next year!
Michelle
/ September 19, 2011Ooh I hate yall right now! LOL I’m so jealous. I hope to meet more blogger friends. Right now, I have 2 that live one state away from me that I met in person at the Sofistafunk fashion show last week. However, I’d love to meet more.
Looks like you had so much fun! How was the food? lol you know I had to ask. OK going to read Kirsti’s coverage now.
MJ
/ September 19, 2011LOL! The food at the mixer was really good! I had a Margarita pizza that was excellent!
Grit and Glamour (@gritandglamour)
/ September 19, 2011It was soooo nice to finally meet you in person, MJ! Thanks for linking this post to mine, and for you ongoing support. Wish I could’ve made the blogger lounge before it closed!
MJ
/ September 19, 2011It is always my pleasure! I’ve learned so much from you and was excited to finally meet you!