Conference Weekend 2.6.16

I had the best weekend in Chicago thanks to the Dana Hotel & Spa, Windy City Blog Co., and my cute girl friends who made it so fun! For any of you interested in getting into blogging or starting your own business in the creative industry, I hiiiighly recommend attending a conference like Blog Your Best 2016. I’ve only been blogging for a little over a year, so getting the chance to talk/listen to girls who have been in the game for a while was very helpful and inspiring.

Here’s are some pictures from the weekend + my outfits + bits of conference advice:

The Dana Hotel is an adorable boutique hotel in the city, so I was excited to hear they were hosting the conference! Their rooftop lounge, Vertigo, was hosting their 6th annual winter party on Saturday night complete with s’mores, giant ice sculptures, and a crystalized fire pit (!!) I wore this burgundy sweater dress from The Pink Lily Boutique with knee high boots and fur to stay warm:

Burgundy Cowl Neck Dress (size small) || Almost Identical pair of over-the-knee boots that are over 60% less than the one’s I’m wearing that are sold out (flats option here) || Burberry Check Watch || Faux Fur Stole || Gold Layered Necklace || Lipstick || Meagan Gilbert Photo

For Saturday’s conference, I wore this delicate lace dress with a beaded collar..

(pst, the Kate Spade 75% off surprise sale is going on right now!)

Delicate Lace Dress (wearing size XS) || Nude Sandal Heels || Find a Similar Kate Spade Crossbody at the 75% off sale going on! || Lipstick || Tiffany’s Bracelet ||  Meagan Gilbert Photography

A few helpful notes from the conference:

*When searching for brand sponsorships – genuine & authentic partnerships are what companies are looking for. Think about the brands that you REALLY think align best with your blog, and reach out to them!

*Define and stick to your niche and develop an elevator pitch that summarizes the main intention of your blog.

*LOVE what you’re doing! Lacking motivation in outfit posts but you’re developing a passion for something else? Start writing about it! If you’re passionate about something it will show through in your work.

*When working with brands, come up with your own unique ideas for ways to work together. Don’t wait for them to do the work on their own. Get creative – this will save them time and it’s a good first impression!

*Always, always do more than what you’re asked of. This will impress brands and increase your chances of a long-term partnership.

On Sunday morning I grabbed brunch with some other blogger friends at Soho House before heading to the airport. This place was a dream. It’s a members only-city-country club-athletic center-rooftop pool-movie theater-workspace-coffee shop-etc-etc-etc all in one and it’s the cutest most beautifully decorated place ever. Kit (co-founder of WCBC and the most fab food blogger I know) is a member and took a few of us girls to brunch to scope the place out!

Next up, LAS VEGAS!! xo, Olivia

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