Full recap of the Texas Style Council Conference

While packing for my weekend at the Texas Style Council Conference, I tried to imagine what I'd see. After studying the schedule, I knew they're be a swap. I was excited to pack a vintage frock for Saturday night's dance. I made sure to charge my iPad to live-tweet during the panels. And I was prepared to meet, and hopefully mingle with, women who have inspired me through my development as a blogger. Bloggers such as Kendi of Kendi Everyday, Jentine of My Edit, Indiana of Adored Austin, Jessie of The Concrete Catwalk, and Jen of Jen Loves Kev were scheduled to be there, and I nervously anticipated taking pics of these fantastically stylish and inspirational bloggers from a polite distance. I settled on four extremely carefully chosen outfits, zipped up my suitcase, and set my alarm for early Friday morning.

After a long drive (made much easier by an epic playlist constructed by Erin - psych music and The Black Keys) we made it into Austin. We quickly unpacked, changed, organized our items for the swap, and hailed a cab to The Texas Style Council headquarters, housed at 2nd & Colorado (201 W. 2nd Street) in downtown Austin. The Swap was organized by Swap.com and The Swapaholics, headed by Amy from Punky Style and my soulmate Melissa from Stealfinder. Market Publique shipped a huge box of vintage goodies to seed the swap with (some of which I was able to walk away with - squee!), and about a billion people contributed items to exchange.

Items organized for the swap

Checking out the goods. (Photo courtesy of Punky Style.)

Annnnd...they're off. It was hectic. And I loved every single minute of it.

(More photos can be seen on Swap.com's Flickr pool.)

There are two strategies when participating in a swap. The first is to wade patiently and carefully (well, as carefully as one can when prodded by 5290614 people scrambling to grab items) through things, only picking out items in your size and style. But the pros go another route - they grab whatever they can that looks the least bit intriguing, haul their pile into a corner of the room, pick out what they want, and return unwanted items to the tables. Which is exactly what I did (thanks to Suze for the awesome advice!) I walked away with a blue polka-dot dress, a vintage blazer from Market Publique, a gorgeous military jacket contributed by Indiana, a sequined tank, a cropped paisley velvet blazer, a maxi dress, and a really great long-sleeved polka dot mini dress from H&M (which, sadly, doesn't fit...anyone interested? It's a small size 4.)


Energized by the swap, I joined a group of bloggers (including Kendie and Brian, Jentine, Erin, Suze, Punky, and Kyla of Blue Collar Catwalk who might be making me new business cards!) at a rooftop bar for drinks. Then, accompanied by the creator of TIKKR Watch (who generously gifted each blogger with a watch with a white band - it's super cool!) to a Chinese restaurant. To sing karaoke. Seriously. Don't judge. I would post video, but I don't want to embarrass anyone. And by anyone I mean me.


On Saturday we woke up a bit late, and Erin, Suze and I met Tina of T Minus T Plus, Chastity of The Curvy Girl's Guide to Style, and Julie of Rosy + Tart for brunch at The Cheesecake Factory. I had the pleasure of meeting Tina and Chastity before, and they continued to impress me with their style and sweetness. As in, they were super sweet. Their clothes were sweet too. I am so happy these girls live in Dallas so I can hang with them more. Julie lives nearby in Fort Worth, and I'm looking forward to getting to know her better too. (P.S She makes the greatest road trip playlists. They're EPIC.)

Erin and Suze

Chastity and Tina

After brunch we headed back to TxSCC headquarters in downtown Austin for a bit of shopping. And outfit photos.

Thrifted J Crew blouse; Old Navy skirt; Old Navy belt; We Love Colors tights; Urban Outfitters 6x6 booties, Erin's bag; random Forever 21 bracelets

Erin, Kyla and I took a pushcab up to South Congress for continued shopping. It was super fun. Passing over the bridge we saw some kayaks which I mistakenly called canoes and was mocked for the remainder of the weekend. Forgive me, I'm from NYC...the only boat I'm familiar with is the Staten Island Ferry.

South Congress was amaze-balls. It seemed to be mecca for every hipster hobo nerd within a 3000 mile radius. There were slim boys in skinny skinny jeans, girls in cut-offs and horn-rimmed glasses, pierced hippie-types, women in vintage, men in vintage, and random dreadlocked guys playing the bongos. Everyone seems to be tattooed, which meant I fit in just fine.

Why yes, rasta-boy, I would LOVE a friendship bracelet!

We ate delicious Mexican food at Guero's Taco Bar, shopped in a few boutiques, and went searching for vintage at Uncommon Objects, a massive antique emporium with the most amazing themed booths. I was in heaven. There was everything from vintage musical instruments, old glass jars, and Mexican crafts, to vintage clothing, cowboy boots, and turquoise jewelry. Erin walked out with the most stunning handmade turquoise and silver ring. It was to die.


After shopping we headed back down to downtown to get ready for the TxSCC dance, located at the Bo Concept showroom. Erin and I changed into our party clothes in a parking garage. Because we're classy like that.

Vintage thrifted party dress; Gap crossbody bag; Gap Outlet tights; Stuart Weitzman wedges; Forever 21 bracelets; TIKKR watch

 
Then it was on to the party. The dance featured shops from 81 Poppies, Archives Vintage, The Spice Rack (where I bought a gorgeous vintage white sequined sparkly jacket!), and Clyde's Rebirth, among others. Nathan Russell Photography was also there taking hilarious photos of everyone. 

My new friends! Amy of Stylish Year, Kendie of Kendie Everyday; Jentine of My Edit, Suze, and Melissa of  The Swapaholics

Julie, Erin,Tina and I.

The next morning we returned to Bo Concept, where we mingled over breakfast tacos provided by Cantina Austin and morning cocktails  (uh, day drinking? Yes please!) from Plain Ivey Jane. 

With the adorable Katy, who attended the conference for inspiration to create her own blog!

Thrifted Club Monaco silk shirt; thrifted vintage maxi skirt; thrifted vintage belt; Forever 21 hoops

 Once brunch ended we made our way to Ballet Austin for a day of panels from some of the biggest fashion bloggers in the industry. I live-tweeted the entire conference, so if you're looking for expanded information regarding what was covered check out my twitter feed at @DressCourage with the hashtag #TxSCC. I also wrote an article on Authenticity in Blogging that will soon be featured on the Texas Style Council Conference website; my friend Pam covered the Going Pro panel on her blog Over 50 Feeling 40 - be sure to check it out.


The biggest treat was attending a break-out session on basic photography by Kendi and Brian. I learned so much about taking great photos, including the following:

• When photographing indoors, place yourself near a window to maximize light.
• If using a tripod, shoot from wait level to elongate your body. 
• The best photo composition is based on the rule of thirds. Your optimal placement is at intersecting points, not in center of viewfinder.

 

I also got a chance to meet and talk to Jennine from IFB and The Coveted. IFB has done so much to advance my blogging, and it was a true honor to meet her.

Here's a few shots from the panels:

Kyla, Katy, and Jennine were so informative (and stylish!)

Some famous people: Dave Brown, Etsy's Social Media Specialist; Susan Gregg Koler, Modcloth co-founder and CCO; and Kendi (we all know her - duh)

Once the panels wrapped up, Erin, super-stylish Reiko from God's Favorite Shoes, the epically cool Laurel of Trophy Boutique and my new friend Heather from Inner Cupcake went to Casino El Camino for burgers. I ate a burger the size of my head. No joke. It was unreal. Then we headed to Aces Lounge for a fashion show sponsored by Etsy. I was blown away by the incredible and unique things small designers are creating. I wish I'd gotten pics, but I'm an old and was kind of worn out by that point. 

The next morning we woke up, scarfed down some breakfast, did a little blogging, and drove home. It was a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am so grateful to Gretchen and Indiana for organizing the Style Council Conference. Can't wait until next year!

(On our way home, we passed this spaceship house somewhere outside Waco...which kinda ended the weekend on the perfect note.)

Take me to your leader...or back to Austin.

Texas Style Conference Panel Recap: Authenticity in Blogging

 Every blogger, whether they've been blogging for a few days or multiple years, has concerns about remaining authentic and expressing their true voice through their posts. As a relatively new blogger I am especially concerned with establishing boundaries regarding how much personal information to share, and how far I should go, in order to engage my readers while being authentic. I suppose that's why I was so excited to attend the Authenticity Panel during the Texas Style Council Conference this weekend in Austin.

Moderated by Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly, the panel featured three bloggers whom I have always admired for their ability to be consistently authenticity through their blogs: Indiana of Adored Austin, Jen of Jen Loves Kev, and James of Bleubird Vintage. Discussion began with comments on why authenticity is so valuable when blogging. Jen stated that authenticity makes you approachable and real. Humor, self-deprecation, humility, honesty, and openness engage readers and make then genuinely interested and loyal towards your blog.

How does one express authenticity when blogging? According to Indiana, the best techniques are those relating to how you write your posts. She strongly suggested that we write as we speak. While an impressive vocabulary will get you far in the business world, blog readers are much more likely to want to know you if you write spontaneously and off-the-cuff.  Indiana recommended we write as if we're speaking to a friend, looking at your posts as a shared conversation between you and your readers. Writing about a subject you're well-familiar with and interested in also keeps your posts vibrant and authentic.

One concern most bloggers have is determining boundaries when sharing personal information. While we all want our readers to get a glimpse into who we are beyond outfit photos, it can be challenging to determine just how much to share. Indiana strongly suggested bloggers avoid airing dirty laundry. This includes details regarding fights between you and your friends or husband, using inappropriate language, and sharing personal information such as your phone number and home address. In addition, when her blog was just beginning, Indiana avoided using real names in her posts in order to protect the identity of friends and acquaintances.

However, James believes that sharing personal information is a useful tool for engaging readers. For example, she shared her birth story on her blog, and regularly features photographs of her adorable baby girl and details regarding her growth and development. James believes that drawing a blog audience can be much more effectively accomplished through the inclusion of personal photos and day-in-the-life conversation than simply through outfit pics and brief discussion regarding what she wears.

The panelists all agreed that it is ultimately up to the blog author to determine what to share and what their comfort level is regarding post content. Jen recommended that bloggers be safe regarding personal information, but not overly concerned. It's far more important to share your life story and develop a sense of community by using your authentic voice, than be stifled with anxiety about over-sharing. For example, Indiana's blog includes a memorial video of her dog, which recently passed away, and she was comforted by the overwhelming outpouring of support from her blog readers. 

The panelists also cautioned against feeling the need to share everything in order to prove your authenticity. Having a focus on one or two elements, and expounding on them, will make your blog more communicable. Indiana mentioned that readers will be more eager to dialogue with you if you have a clearly defined focus.

The panelists agreed that sharing your struggles also ensures the authenticity of your blog. Readers are less likely to remain loyal and engaged if they feel the blog author is more concerned with crafting an image of perfection than remaining real. As blogging becomes increasingly popular as a social media tool, it's crucial for authors to be unique in order to differentiate themselves from one another. Readers love discovering what makes you who you are, and that includes details regarding personal struggles in addition to positive experiences. In addition, asking your readers questions and requesting their input is another way to ensure authenticity in blog posts.

The panelists addressed the fact that there are downsides to expressing authenticity in blogging. James mentioned that she has received judgment from readers regarding her behavior a a new mom. Jen Lula mentioned that occasionally readers feel they have the right to give their opinions, and negatively judge you for what you write. Many of us have received nasty or even blatantly hostile comments on our blogs. It's an unfortunate side affect of being authentic. The panelists agreed that it's crucial for bloggers to develop a thick skin in regards to negative comments. Fortunately, the positive rewards for blogging far outweigh the negatives.

Most of the panelists agreed that negative comments can often lead to positive discussion. Respectfully responding to these comments often leads to constructive dialogue. While the panelists strongly recommended blog authors approve all comments before posting them, Indiana mentioned that she occasionally leaves negative comments in her blog as an opportunity to respond to and engage her readers.

The authenticity panel helped me understand why it's crucial for bloggers to remain true to their own voice. Being unique, establishing boundaries, staying true to my individuality, and including personal struggles are what differentiates my blog from others. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the Texas Style Council Conference and learned so much from all the speakers, including Kristina, Jen, Indiana and James.

If you would like to learn more about the panels at the Texas Style Council Conference in a real-time format, please look for my #TxSCC twitter feed at @dresscourage.

Texas Style Council Conference: It's a wrap!

My butt is numb from five hours of being stuck in the car. My voice is shot. My feet are killing me. I'm fairly certain I'm as severely dehydrated as a hitchhiker in the Mohave desert. And yet I'm convinced, beyond a shadow of doubt, that this weekend at the Texas Style Council Conference was one of the best three days I've ever had.

There's so much to talk about - how informative the panels were; the genuine approachability and friendliness of the bloggers in attendance; the fun activities organized by the Style Council. It might take me all week to summarize the events I attended and lessons I learned. However, I'll briefly share my top six impressions from the conference tonight.

1. The blogging community is much smaller and more approachable than you might think. Both new bloggers and those merely intrigued by blogging mingled with big-time bloggers such as Kendi and Bryan of Kendi Everyday, Erin of Work With What You've Got, Kyla of Blue Collar Catwalk, Jentine of My Edit, Katie of Kansas Couture, and Jen of Jen Loves Kev (among many others!) I was so pleasantly surprised to find all the bloggers in attendance were as authentically genuine, friendly and welcoming in person as they are through their blogs.

Kyla, Erin and I took a push pedal buggy ride through the city to South Congress Street. We also pretended to be paparazzi. It was super fun.

This is a gratuitous pic of me with some famous people (whom I can now call my friends - eeek!) Katie of Kansas Couture, Suze of Miss Vinyl Ahoy, Amy of Stylish Year, and Kelsey of Snappy Casual.

Laurel of Trophy Boutique and I talked blogging, Texas, and tattoos. She also took me and other bloggers to eat the best burgers on the planet at a dive bar on 6th Street. It was epic. The socializing and the burgers, I mean. Laurel was pretty epic too.

2. Austin is a pretty rad place to visit (and live.) Austin during South by Southwest makes New Year's Eve in Times Square look like a sullen sob-ridden emo funeral (I'm from NYC, so it's okay. Nothing personal against New Yorkers. Or Manhattan. Or New Year's Eve.) It was cra-cray. I have never seen so many hobo hipster nerds in. my. life.

3. Social media is absolutely crucial both as a networking tool and business application. It was fascinating to witness and be a part of the intersection between social media and real-life interaction. I now have a deeper respect for the need to remain authentic and true to who I am through my blog, Twitter and Facebook feeds, and am more dedicated to utilizing these tools to reach out to my readers (and attract new ones!)

Jennine of The Coveted and IFB, a leader in social media.

4. Do not sacrifice style for comfort. Case in point: The Texas Style Council strongly advised attendees to bring comfortable shoes, as we'd be spending a significant amount of time walking around Austin, standing during mixers, and socializing in between panels. I chose to thumb my nose at this sage advice and spent Saturday clomping around in my highest heels. Big mistake. Huge. By Saturday evening I was almost as crippled as a nineteenth-century Chinese woman with bound feet. It was bad.

I am hiding my pain.

5. (This part is going to be kind of a gross love-fest, so proceed at your own risk.) Meeting new friends is always wonderful, but having the opportunity to spend real time with them is something truly precious. I feel so privileged to have had the chance to spend three entire days with Erin, who served both as my roommate and road-trip buddy for the conference. Erin is a tremendous inspiration both for me and within the blogging community. During the conference, her talents and authenticity were recognized by many of the gold-level sponsors, including Modcloth, and I was thrilled to see her being rewarded for all the things that make her so unique. She deserves every happiness in the world, and I truly love her.

 6. Have I mentioned the amazing vintage sequined jacket I bought from The Spice Rack during Saturday night's dance? It's gorgeous, and was very reasonably priced. If you're a vintage lover like me, be sure to check out their online shop and the sites of the owners at Style and Pepper and Concrete Catwalk.

If you ever have the opportunity to either attend or plan a blogger conference in your area, please don't pass up the chance to participate. Not only will you learn from and mingle with members of the blogging community, but you'll have an absolute blast doing so. I know I did!