What an event! Create Cultivate Chicago was overwhelmingly inspiring this past weekend. I started A Glam Lifestyle as a creative outlet to share my unique point of view on fashion and travel. So, as a new blogger, my main goal was to network and hear from some amazing ladies on how they keep their sites fresh and relevant. I wore this chic Zara tube dress with my new Louboutins for the full day affair in the Windy City!
If you’re considering going to an upcoming Create Cultivate event, I highly recommend it. Having just attended the Simply Stylist conference in Chicago last month – I was slightly apprehensive about spending the money on the VIP ticket for Create Cultivate. But, the line-up of speakers was INSANE! The panel, ‘From Blog To Brand: The art of creating compelling content that translates offline and online,’ included my all-time favorite blogger, Jenny Bernheim from Margo & Me! Another favorite, Rachel Parcell from Pink Peonies, was also a speaker in that session, as were Joey Maalouf, Cara Santana, and Danielle Moss and Alaina Kaczmarski from The Everygirl. If that A-list roster isn’t enough to get you excited, I don’t know what will!
I mentioned the VIP ticket above because I did splurge and upgrade my ticket so I could pick the track of sessions I’d sit in on that day. I went back and forth, but it was money well spent. I spoke to a handful of ladies who didn’t get the track they wanted due to the number of people that attended (500!). I would have been bummed if that happened to me.
Of course, Jenny being the influencer that she is – I immediately hit the Topshop pop-up shop in the lounge (picture below) and nabbed her stylish wrap midi skirt.
One of my favorite sessions was on how to work with brands and other bloggers as you grow your following. It was another hard-hitting line-up of speakers, including Emily Jackson from the Ivory Lane, Jessica Sturdy of Bows and Sequins, Geri Hersch of Because I’m Addicted, and Lily Berg of DBA. Each brought a really distinct perspective on the industry to the panel through their varied experiences. My list of take-aways was substantial!
What I loved most about the entire two-day occasion with Create Cultivate were all the little details. From the stylish lounge areas, to the happy hour hosted by General Assembly Chicago the night before, and the cocktail hour after the conference – it was clear that this was extraordinarily well-planned. I met a ton of lovely ladies, as well as saw some familiar faces. I feel like I have an outline of where I want to go in my next chapter as a blogger.
Of course – what would the event be without some serious fashion, right?! For the happy hour, I took the plunge and rocked my first crop top by Elizabeth and James (and now I want to wear it everywhere!). I completed the look with white cropped pants from Zara and my Valentino Rockstuds that I found at TJMaxx.
Do you follow me on Instagram? If not, go check it out. You can see more pictures from the event there.
Happy Hour Outfit – Top: Elizabeth and James // Pants: Zara (similar here) // Pumps: Valentino (more affordable option here) // Necklace: Susan Shaw ON SALE (similar here) // Bag: YSL (another option by Vince and another by ASOS)
Conference Outfit – Dress: Zara (similar here and another camel-colored option here) // Pumps: Christian Louboutin (love these from Charles by Charles David) // Bag: Nordstrom (such a great deal!) // Bracelets: Alexis Bittar
