My Texas Style Council Experience

I had this whole fancy post planed out. "5 Things I Learned At Blogger Camp," or some such disingenuously profound bull honkey. It felt forced, so I just hit delete and started typing what I was really thinking.


Haley, Julie, and me in a photobooth van. It wasn't creepy because there were props.

People are people, no matter their status of celebrity. Just because someone is well known, it doesn't mean that she wants to hang out with you. Just because you have no idea who someone is, it doesn't mean that she is not worth getting to know.

Regular meals and sleep are super, super important.

These are all things that I learned at blogger camp. However, the biggest lesson is much more egocentric. I learned that I cannot force myself to change. I've been roaming this world for 26 years and am very unlikely at this point to "grow out of" being introverted, shy, awkward, or slightly sad. What I can do is push myself. Testing my boundaries is usually uncomfortable, but occasionally results in amazing new discoveries and opportunities.

This time around, I can say that, although the experience was extremely stressful in a lot of ways, I am so grateful that I pushed myself and had the opportunity to connect with so many amazing, inspiring, beautiful women. To be assured that I'm not the only one out there feeling what I'm feeling, and to have the support of this huge, weird, kooky community was like a lime chaser after basement tequila.

I've got tons of pictures, but a recap seems tedious, so I'll just give a few shout outs and put the subject to rest. In no particular order, I'd like to give a shout out to...


Haley of Cardigan Junkie



Thanks for being an amazing roommate! The weekend would have been a complete flop without a fun and easy going friend (/ driver!)


Amy of A Is For Ampersand, Lauren of A Wild Tonic, Elise of Blowfish, and Maria of Little Tree Vintage


How many style bloggers can you fit in a Toyota? Six. The answer is six.

Thanks for being sweet, funny, and accepting! I was so relieved to happen upon a group of ladies to hang out and shop with. Seriously. You guys rock.


Elissa of Dress With Courage



Thanks for doing such a fantastic job promoting the conference and keeping everyone informed! You are always a treat to be around, and I am loving your book so far!

(For those of you who don't know, Thrifting 101 is a fabulous thrifting guide and a labor of love by the amazing Elissa Stern. Go get your copy here!)


Tolly of Austin Eavesdropper



Thank you for exuding the qualities that I most seek to emulate and generally being a really classy dame. I met you for about ten seconds, but you were so nice and encouraging! I am so inspired by your blog and truly treasure your thoughtful comments.


Julie of Orchid Grey


She's second to the right (and straight on 'til morning?)

Thanks for saying hi. :) You, also, I met for about ten seconds, but it really lifted my spirits that you approached me (instead of the other way around.) It was probably nothing to you, but I really value those little moments of community and kindness.


Jen of Jen Love Kev and Kyla of Blue Collar Catwalk


Second and fourth seats respectively.

Thank you for being gracious about answering my super awkward question. Compassion and understanding are two very undervalued personality traits, and you've got 'em both in spades. :)


My trusty umbrella



Thanks for keeping me (mostly) dry.


Conclusion: TxSC FTW!