Made My Week: IFBCON 2013
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This week I had the opportunity to attend the Independent Fashion Blogger Conference in NYC. Being new to this whole blogging thing, I thought it was important to get educated and learn more about the ins and outs of blogging. And I'm so glad I went! Of course it was very different than the psychology conferences I've attended. While psychology conferences are full of PowerPoint presentations, people in stuffy semi-professional attire, and sensible shoes, the blogging conference felt a lot more free-spirited, with individuals pushing the limits of their sartorial creativity. Something I can definitely get used to
But when I think more about it, there were also some similarities to the psychology conferences I've been to. Both types of conferences have rock stars. It's just that the rock stars in psychology are revered theorists and researchers, rather than uber fashion bloggers with thousands or even millions of loyal followers. Both types of conferences also address social-emotional issues. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the helpful, inspiring tips offered by some of the bloggers on the panel. Here are some of the tips that resonated with me:
1. Get out of your comfort zone and don't be afraid.
2. Be appreciative of where you are and you will grow.
3. Don't give in to the pressure to follow format.
4. There's no such thing as writer's block. The difference between someone who succeeds in writing and someone who doesn't is hard work and perseverance.
These tips can be applied to just about any life experience, don't you think?
I also got a chance to meet some interesting people like this gentleman right here, Mr. Beckford.
And fellow bloggers, Jen Dang from Skirt the Rules, Tracy Davis from The Right Shoes, and Courtney Starr from Girlavantgarde.com. These girls are all about sharing their personal style with their readers. Very cool.
I was particularly excited to meet and talk with Lisa Salzer of Lulu Frost. She's a high-end jewelry designer who also collaborates with J-Crew. Her signature look is mixing vintage and modern, a girl after my own heart. These are some of the pieces I've coveted from her collection.
Lisa gave a talk at the conference that I found to be most inspiring. She spoke about her humble beginnings and the chances she took to forge her unique career path. Her reoccurring theme was success = opportunity + preparedness. I love that.
All in all I'm thankful that I got to experience something new. What new experiences have you had lately?
{images: Sarah Seung unless otherwise indicated}
