WAYS OF STYLE

Simply Stylist Event

in Lifestyle, Style on

Hi everyone! Happy Monday! I’m so excited about this post, because I had the best time at the Simply Stylist Event – Chicago, and I wanted to share it all with you. If you’re a Blogger, Vlogger, are in the beauty/fashion industry or simply someone trying to make a living by doing what you love against all odds, I highly recommend checking out events like this one.

I have to admit that at first, I was a little hesitant and anxious about going to an event. I feel silly because I got so nervous over nothing the night before. I barely slept. I have an extreme social anxiety issue, and when you add the language barrier and the fact that I was going by myself… Let’s just say that I almost skipped this one LOL. But, I’m sooooo glad I didn’t. You know when they say “If it scares you it might be a good thing to try”? Well, please do more of that.

The event’s main purpose was to inspire bloggers or anyone in the beauty/fashion industry to pursue their dreams. Their catch phrase is “Do what you love” and they totally brought those words to life that day.

First part: The Brunch

I got late for brunch! CRAP!

Great, so I had to seat on the quiet small table in the corner by myself.

Five minutes later, I met the lovely Tristin (Tristin Stylist) the most charming, extrovert and outspoken girl I’ve ever met. Just what I needed. Seriously, not being ironic here.

She’s just a breath of fresh air, and thanks to her networking skills and un-shy, sparkling personality I got to meet Katrina (Silly Little Pretty One), Ileana (Novel Style), Dannie (Style Foto Cibo), Richelle (Design and DIY) and Narmeen. Later on the afternoon I got to chat with Jess (26 and not counting) and Thida (That Girl Gick) and caught up with Ashley (Aka @Mushroom Stew and founder of Sedbona) and finally got to meet my IG friend Lauren (Lakeshore Lady). I could go on and on, but let’s just say it was a room filled with very talented women to say the least.

The location was beautiful, Sarah from Simply Stylist gave a beautiful heart-felt speech and well… there were the mimosas. The food itself wasn’t the best part for me though (never thought I’d say this). I mean, the food wasn’t what I expected. I think the presentation could have been better.

Nonetheless, the best part was that I got to meet the most amazing group of fellow bloggers and I don’t think it would have been possible without my VIP ticket, it just wouldn’t have been the same.

So, would I go as a VIP again? Definitely. I think food is something that can be easily improved. The networking on this part of the event is worth every dollar, and eating is not exactly the reason why you’d buy a VIP ticket anyway. Plus, they sit you on the first and second rows, for the second part of the event: The panel.

Second Part: Fashion & Beauty Panel

Simply Stylist Chicago

This was by far my favorite part. I was sitting second row with the lovely group of ladies I met on the brunch, so I felt I wasn’t alone & had someone to gossip with from time to time.

The panelists were nothing but: Corri McFadden (Founder of Luxury Consignment E Drop Off), Jacey Duprie (Aka @DamselinDior),  Joey Maalouf (Celebrity Make Up Artist, Stylist & Hairstylist and Founder of The Glam App), and the always charming Sazan Hendrix (Fashion Blogger & You Tube Star) and they were interviewed by the lovely Catt Saddler from E! News, and boy… this girl sure knows how to guide an interview.

They had a lot chemistry and were very charming together. They answered every question we had and I truly left the room feeling positive and excited with new ideas for my blog posts, and with the vision of starting to see my blog as something more permanent. Now I’m seeing everything from a new perspective.

Most important thing I learned: I realized that I’m doing all of this, for all the right reasons and if want to make this “blogging thing” (How my dad calls it!) my real and only job, I have to stop doing it on my spare time and start taking it more seriously.

Third Part: Breakout Sessions & Pampering

For the third part we went to another area of the hotel. Everyone was there. I loved to see all the panelists talking to all of us, giving us advice, taking pictures and listening to our questions. I got a chance to talk for a while with Catt, Sazan and Stevie, and of course the hilarious Joey.

I got some great advice from them and just talk about random things in general. Even though they’re so successful they were very humble and down to earth.

There was a lot of food and an open bar, and thanks to these two together I didn’t attend to any of the Breakout Sessions. Next time, I’ll try for sure, but I was having so much fun with my new gals that I completely forgot.

In the End…

Well, I realized how beautiful this community is. How, in some way, we are all in this together, and that in order to make it, we can all do it by helping and supporting one another. There is no necessity to bring anybody down.

I’ve had a rough and life-changing year. I’ve grown a lot by making tons of mistakes along the way, but I’ve learned my lessons. I’ve realized that not everyone will support you along your ride. And as much as it hurts, there will be people you’ll have to remove from your life, because let’s face it; is not fun to have someone bringing you down when you are trying to live your dreams and find yourself to be happy.

As the brilliant Maya Anyelou said on her poem “Our Grandmothers”:

“I go forth alone and stand as ten thousand”

I’m trying to live by these powerful words lately.

Thanks to Simply Stylist for this event and to the amazing group of panelists who all together made me felt that I belonged there and that I’ve found my passion. That day I had my “AHA Moment”, at least I think I did, LOL. We’ll see.

I sincerely hope this gives you inspiration to go and listen to that little voice whispering inside your heart, because it’s really telling you something and only YOU know what it is. Think about it, if you don’t pursue it, isn’t that like betraying yourself?

Follow your dreams, even though no one else understands it. Just surround yourself with the ones who do.

I cannot thank you guys enough for stoping by and reading!

Have a wonderful day and week ahead.

XO,

Signature

 

PS: It’s my birthday today! YAY!

Here are some pics of my outfit that day. To be honest I didn’t buy anything this time. My sister, who’s a pinterest genious found some inspiration and we managed to assemble something with stuff I already had.

The skirt is from Anthropology. The sandals French Connection, but you can also wear it with basic strappy ones. The rest was a plain white shirt that I probably use every week from Zara. The blazer is from Forever 21. I’ve had this one for ages! It seems to go with almost anything so I’m not planning to get rid of it any time soon. If you have a denim jacket or shirt it will also do the trick.

Hair: By Amanda from Blohaute (You need to try this ASAP! Not kidding)

I just wanted to show you how by pairing a statement piece with some of the basics you already have, you can make an entire new and original outfit. This is why I always tell you: buy versatile pieces! There’s a lot of room to work with when you have lots of basics.

I’ve linked a few similar items here:

…And here’s a little something extra I’ve decided to try since I’ve been told too much lately I take myself waaaaay to serious. Some times, when I’m shooting a blog post, I don’t know why, but I have so many silly pics! I always erase them and tell myself I look like shit, but instead of doing that I’ll post the silliest one here (if I have one because I’m not posing for these).

It looks like I had something on my teeth! HAHAHAHA

Funny Faces

 

Take care and spread good vibes everyone! The world needs more of that.

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Comments

    • Thanks Katrina!
      I wish I was going to the Create Cultivate Event 🙁
      Please let me know the next time you’ll be in Chicago so we can catch up!
      Have fun and learn a lot
      Thanks for stopping by my blog
      XO
      Aimara

      Reply

    • Thanks Ally!
      Thank you so much for stopping by!
      We need to schedule our dancing girls night out 🙂
      XO
      Aimara

      Reply

  4. I have to be honest, I almost cry reading this post… Maybe because is one of those days! Damn days! And I really miss you… I miss that girl who was with me no matter what.
    I can imagine every moment of the event, how all of the motivated you and most important I could feel how you feel and I loved it! That’s what I’ve always wanted for you.

    “Do what you Love” that should be more than a phrase, should be a rule or a lifestyle.
    I’m so proud of you because finally you are really doing what you love. And it’s not what we were doing here at all. Even though I’m not doing what I love right no do it now, you keep supporting me to keep going and change that. I will. Soon.

    I took a phrase from Madonna, my favorite… Living for Love. And that is what I’m trying to do. Anyway, keep going to events, keep going VIP and keep sharing it with us! Please stop talking about food, because maybe that could be my future blog hahaha
    By the way, I love your pics, you looks gorgeous! I’m sure everyone wants more silly pics! Congrats to your magical photographer and pinterest’s expert. She did an awesome job having 2 kids there 😉
    Kisses, Ive.

    Reply

    • You are too much!
      I miss you too! Hopefully we’ll get together sooner than expected.
      I feel so happy and I know you can feel it with me. I am definitely doing what I love and I have faith things will be better from now on. I always ask God to put in my way the right people and take away the bad ones, and I’m sure that’s what he’s been doing!
      Can’t wait for you to be here pursuing your dream as well.
      Do what you love 😉
      PD: Let’s schedule a FT date!
      XO

      Reply

  6. I’m one of the ones who DO understand! You are so talented it makes me excited to think that I’ll have a super famous friend real soon 😉 Keep going, you’re fab! This post was awesome!

    Reply

    • Thanks Vivi!
      Thank you so much for reading every time, it means so much to me, you have no idea!
      I think I’ll remember you when I’m famous LOL
      Love you
      XO

      Reply

    • Yes we will girl! Soon! We’ll plan something 🙂
      HAHAHA Glad you liked the silly pic. I had to do something positive with those because I have so many everytime I shoot!
      Take care babe
      XO

      Reply

  10. Besides ” pinterest genius ” you have to start giving me credit for your lovely photos! add “awesome photographer ” for the next post! LOL Love youuuuu! Happy BDay again!!!

    Reply

    • Love you sis! You should make a living out of it. And those pics are always in a rush with two kids, can imagine what you’d do without all the distractions!
      You are the world to me 🙂

      Reply

    • Thanks Sarah! Me too! I really enjoyed being there! Hope I can make to the one in NYC.
      Keep up the good work and inspiring others 🙂
      XO

      Reply

    • Thanks Corri!
      Yes, and it was all thanks to you guys!
      Hope I can visit your store really soon!
      All my best
      XO

      Reply

  13. This post is beautiful! Love the outfit and the fact you didn’t have to buy anything! It seems like you have one hell of a closet LOL. Happy birthday!
    Love the funny pic at the end hahaha is true we need to take ourselves less serious! Take care babe

    Reply

    • Thanks for stopping by Tess! Believe or not I don’t have that much stuff I just try to combine the ones I have in very different ways!
      Thank you so much for reading! It means the world to me!
      Have a great week
      XO
      Aimara

      Reply

  14. Wow,, love the post sounds really like a super fun experience and a really cool event. Happy you had FUN… Love the outfit and the pictures.

    PS: Happy birthday, birthday girl

    Reply

    • Thanks Reham! 🙂
      Hope we see each other again soon soon!
      Thanks for reading, I really appreciate it
      XO

      Reply

    • Thanks Andrea!
      I’m very honest hahaha no-filter honest!
      Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you enjoyed reading this.
      Have a great week ahead
      XO

      Reply

  16. Ahahaha I absolutely love this post!! I had no idea you had social anxiety too — I didn’t sleep much the night before either! It’s so nice to know I’m not the only one.

    And I absolutely loved your outfit — that pleated maxi skirt was the perfect chic yet comfortable thing to wear for such a long day of networking and panels!

    Let’s get together again soon!

    Sed Bona

    Reply

    • Thanks Ash! And thanks for stopping by my blog!
      I’d love to meet up and catch up 🙂
      Have a great week ahead!
      XO

      Reply

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