Connect
Yearly Archives: 2015
Weekend Review: Thrive Blog Conference
While I do not normally post on weekends, with the non-stop rain forecast for today, I figured it was the perfect day to sit down and share my first blog conference experience with you.
Last weekend, I attended the Thrive Blog Conference in the Woodlands, TX. I was so happy to find a conference in my own backyard! I came across the conference a few weeks after starting my blog. I had a growing list of questions that needed answers, and this conference was exactly what I needed!
If you have never heard of or attended a blog conference, they consist of a lot of networking and learning. It was great to be surrounded by other bloggers of all categories and levels. I felt like a sponge at this event, absorbing all the info I was being given by the more veteran bloggers. It was also nice to meet fellow newbie bloggers and share that I am not alone when I am completely confused by this or that feeling.
The event founders, Bree and Whitney, lined up a great group of speakers to share their knowledge.
The speaker I was the most excited about was Caroline Harper Knapp of House of Harper. I have her blog bookmarked and read it regularly, so it was amazing listening to her speak on building your brand and how she re-branded her own blog.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to The Fancy Ashley speak on compelling content. I loved her stance on staying true to you and where you want your blog to go. After listening to her and Caroline speak, I came home and wrote down a little about my blog and my brand so I can make sure to never lose sight of my original plans and ideas for my blog. I hope to re-read this occasionally and adjust as my life, style and goals change.
For the Thrive Blog Conference, all sessions were held in the same room. While I currently do not envision going into an area like You Tube and videos, it was really neat to listen to Audra Kurtz discuss various areas of You Tube from making the videos to tips like not using copyrighted music or how to get great lighting. I definitely took notes, just in case I ever decide to explore this area.
I also learned a lot on promoting your content to new readers from Lil’ Luna and promoting your blog to brands from a discussion panel. Apart from the speakers, I also enjoyed networking with fellow bloggers and have really enjoyed reading some of their blogs this week. I am happy to have found a little support system for when I have questions on blogging.
Of course, I had to get in a little shopping while I was there too!
Plus, I won a raffle prize, a Stella and Dot bracelet!! It went perfect with what I had on that day, so I ended up wearing it for a little post-conference mingling before heading home to put everything I learned into action!
If you are a blogger, I highly recommend finding a blog conference in your area! I already have plans to get together with some of the bloggers I met at the conference to continue learning from and supporting each other. I can’t wait for the Thrive Blog Conference next year!
ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY MEG CADY
Outfit Details: AUDREY Blazer, Old [SIMILAR] | Michael Kors Silk Blouse, Old | PAIGE DENIM Skyline Skinny Jeans | NINE WEST Flax in Silver Metallic | STELLA & DOT Renegade Cluster Bracelet | KENDRA SCOTT Arden Bracelet in Platinum Drusy, Elle Silver Earrings in Purple Jade, Elisa Necklace in Platinum Drusy | BAUBLEBAR Crystal Mason Ring | ESSIEUnder Where? | MAC Lipstick In Faux
Follow Lady in Violet INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN
Spring in a Sweater
| DETAILS |
LOFT Peony Sweatshirt | PAIGE DENIM Skyline Skinny Jeans | YOSI SAMARA Patent Flats | VICTORIA’S SECRET V-Neck Tee, Old | TORY BURCH Robinson Smartphone Wristlet | GORJANA Chevron Pendant Necklace | KENDRA SCOTT Elle Earrings in Slate | MAC Lipstick in Faux |ESSIE Under Where?
We can’t quite seem to hold on to our spring weather here. On Wednesday we spent the day in the 80s, only to wake up Thursday morning in the 30s. My compromise is this sweater I picked up at Loft last week. The beautiful pink peonies remind me of the fabulous floral prints to come this season. The saleswoman was seriously rolling a rack of these sweatshirts out of the backroom when I stopped her so I could grab one. I fell in love with the print at first sight! I think this is going to be a great transitional sweatshirt. I imagine wearing this out on cool spring mornings, and tying it around my waist in the afternoon when it warms up. I like the shorter length of the sweater, so I can also pair it with shorts. I might also toss this sweater on with a long black or dark gray pencil skirt to wear to the office. I only wish I had not already worn this sweater last Friday to work, because after my late night at the Rodeo yesterday this sweater would be perfect to wear today! Miranda Lambert was amazing by the way! I am a fan of her music, and loved getting a chance to see her perform! Happy Friday Ya’ll!
Follow Lady in Violet INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN
Denim Because It’s the Rodeo
| DETAILS |
HALOGEN Chambray Shirt | PAIGE DENIM Skyline Skinny Jeans | NAUGHTY MONKEY Love Story Bootie | ELAINE TURNER Annabella Woven Chevron Clutch | BAUBLEBAR Phoenix Bib, Crystal Mason Ring | KENDRA SCOTT Arden Bracelet in Platinum Drusy, Silver Elle Earrings in Purple Jade | STELLA & DOT Bracelet | ESSIE Under Where? | MAC Lipstick in Faux
I originally had high hopes of wearing this outfit to the Rodeo/Miranda Lambert concert tomorrow until I saw the temperature would be around 35 degrees! While the concert venue is inside, the walk to from the car to the venue is very very very long! I still plan on wearing this outfit, I mean it’s super cute, just not until my next planned rodeo outing. Denim is a western wear staple, and I wanted to try a denim on denim look for one of my rodeo outfits this year. I like when the two shades of denim are very different, and for the top to be the lighter of the two shades. Since my chambray shirt is more of a darker blue chambray, I went with my darkest pair of jeans to give it a good contrast. When I finally wear this to the rodeo, I may pair it with my boots from Monday’s post. But I LOVE these Naughty Monkey booties, and I think they have a slight western flare! I have mentioned in a previous post how amazingly comfortable they are, so they would be perfect for the loads of walking that happens at the Houston Rodeo. To complete my western look, I added one of my favorite statement necklaces from Baublebar. I love the way the blue and purple work together in this outfit. The design of the gems also had a slightly western feel to them, and reminds me of some of the gorgeous pieces I often see at the booths in the shopping section of the rodeo. Now I ‘m often to plan a more weather appropriate outfit for tomorrow, because my girlfriends and I totally still plan on enjoying a glass of wine in the outdoor wine garden before the concert!
Follow Lady in Violet INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN
What I Wore: Houston Rodeo
| DETAILS |
CLUB L Striped Dress, Old [SIMILAR] | H&M Denim Jacket | ELAINE TURNER Colbie Leather Crossbody*ON SALE | BED STU Ridgeline Boots, Old [SIMILAR BUT DARKER] | KENDRA SCOTT Skylar Earrings in Tiger’s Eye | GORJANA Mia Tiered Necklace, Chevron Pendant Necklace | ESSIE Under Where? | MAC Lipstick in Faux
Pull out your western boots and cowboy hats, it’s Rodeo time in Houston! Texas is often stereotyped as living in boots and cowboy hats and riding horses everywhere we go, and for a few weeks in March we completely live up to that stereotype! Ok, we don’t ride horses to work, but if you are ever in Houston on Go Texan Day (aka the Friday before the rodeo starts) you will witness the trail ride coming in. The trail ride is groups of people riding horses on the major freeways of Houston to gather in the center of the city for the Rodeo Parade Saturday morning. Ever year I always think, today some out-of-towner is seeing this and thinking “they do ride horses to work”! The Houston Rodeo lasts about 3 weeks and kicked off last Thursday with the Rodeo Cookoff. The Rodeo portion includes a carnival, the traditional rodeo activities like barrel racing and bull riding, concerts, livestock competitions and more! The main purpose of the rodeo is to raise money for scholarships and agriculture research and development. A huge portion of those who help with the rodeo are volunteers who work in various capacities throughout the year to ensure a successful event every year. Over 2 million people visit the Houston Rodeo every year! It is really a fun event with truely something for everyone. I could seriously write a novel about the event and how awesome it is, but I will spare you and refer you to the Houston Rodeo website to learn more!
I am sharing a look super similar to one I wore to the Houston Rodeo last year for the Rodeo Cookoff. The cookoff is a huge BBQ competition with over 250 teams competing for title of World’s Best BBQ! It is often considered the pre-party to the Rodeo. Most years the weather is cold, but last year I went on a warmer day and was able to wear this striped dress from Asos. I paired it with a denim jacket since it was a little cool and because you have to have something denim on for the rodeo. I also usually wear a crossbody bag to the Rodeo and especially for the cookoff. The team tents are usually crowded with not too many places to sit, so having free hands to hold a drink and a plate full of BBQ is a must! I also never wear heels to the rodeo. Cowboy boots are not required, I usually wear riding boots. In fact, last year was the first time I wore cowboy boots. Mostly you wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Hay, dirt and mud are everywhere, even on the indoor venues. Your shoes will definitely leave with a little dirt and if you were at cookoff possibly a spilled drink. The event is also huge, so you will be doing tons of walking. Another reason for comfortable boots! Check back Wednesday when I will be sharing another Rodeo look with you! Happy Rodeo Houston!
Follow Lady in Violet INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN
