Is it nerdy for me to say that there’s nothing better than an engaging panel discussion? Maybe. But, it certainly isn’t nerdy when I tell you that the panel at the Simply Stylist Chicago event I attended last Saturday included Helen Berkun, fashion photographer & style expert; Cara Santana of CaraDisclothed and founder of TheGlamApp; Lindsay Albanese, stylist, style expert & video blogger; Paolo Nieddu, costume designer & stylist; and Alaina Kaczmarski, the co-founder of The Everygirl. The panelists – along with host Cat Sadler from E! News – gave advice around how to be a #GirlBoss in a fashion, social {Instagram} and digital {so helpful for new blogger like me} world.
Even if you’re not a blogger – or you are, but you’re not fashion-focused – I would definitely suggest attending the Simply Stylist Chicago {NYC or LA} event next year. The Simply Stylist team definitely pulled out all the stops to make this a fun, eventful day! To make it even better, my friend Sam and I snagged tickets at a discounted price on Gilt City {easily one of my favorite sites}, so there was no excuse for us not to attend.
After the panel discussion, guests had the option to attend breakout sessions, or spend the afternoon socializing with local, like-minded people.
We tried out TheGlamApp for the first time, which might be the greatest app ever created with 20-something women in mind. For all you make-up or hair challenged people – aka me – you have to try this! It’s basically Uber for make-up artists, manicurists and hair stylists – you enter your request in the app and they come right to you. A professional is actually going to come to you and give you a manicure, do your make-up before a big night out, or get you ready for the work week with a Sunday night blowout. How am I just hearing about this?! They are in over 20 cities in the U.S. {+ London}, so definitely check it out next time you are too lazy to go out to get your hair or make-up done {this would be so perfect for prom or wedding guests!}. So, homebodies and Gilded Gals rejoice, because not only do you get to stay in your pajamas, but no service will cost you more than $100!
I definitely enjoyed this whole day, but let me tell you my all-time favorite part {besides the goodie bags} … getting a fashion illustration by the Kristine Steiner! I have been swooning over her work on Instagram, so it was amazing to see her in her element, drawing these illustrations in literally 10 minutes. Sam and I also got a kick out of the H2o bubble bath and may have had too much fun making this video. Apologies again to the girls I accidentally threw balls at…!
So, have I convinced you to join me next year at the 2017 Simply Stylist Chicago?! You can bet I’ll be there, because I’m officially hooked.
In the meantime, don’t forget that the Nordstrom Anniversary sale! Prices go up on August 8. Check out my full shopping list and my fave 25 under $25.
Happy Sunday! xAlex