Collective Voice

Last weekend the Collective team dashed off to Dallas for a few nights to attend the Create + Cultivate blogger conference. If you follow us on Twitter, you saw all the tweets and retweets! We sponsored part of the conference, moderated a blogger panel, and even hosted a blogger bar where you guys came up to us to ask us questions or even sign up if you didn’t already have an account. We also had our “bar” fully stocked with the most adorable branded water bottles, pastel-hued macarons, and a DIY hot chocolate bar- there were many Instagram moments with that setup and throughout the entire conference.

This was the biggest Create + Cultivate conference yet with brands represented and bloggers present. Bloggers heard hour-long panels on how to break through and make an impact in this oversaturated market, some on how to be constantly inspired, and many others including how to be authentic and define your personal brand. In between panels, bloggers had the chance to network with their peers and visit all the brand booths to chat with the different retailers and pick up goodies along the way.

Some of our favorite things we picked up were the tidbits of wisdom that the speakers imparted to us, and by speakers we mean bloggers who have become so influential in this space, like Julia from Gal Meets Glam, Mary from Happily Grey, and Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential, to name a few.

• “You are you and nobody can copy you!” —Gal Meets Glam
• How do you break through in this oversaturated market? “Find your voice, talk on your blog like you do in real life!” —The Skinny Confidential
• “If you don’t know your audience and you”re pushing product, you won’t sell.” — Lunchpails and Lipstick
• What advice would you give the bloggers? “Have patience, have determination, and believe in yourself.” — Cupcakes and Cashmere
• “An Instagram without any hashtags is a missed opportunity . . . 35 are the max you should use” — Matt Crump

This conference is such a gem for new bloggers or bloggers who want a refresh and some inspiration. It’s a great networking tool and something I would highly recommend to attend as a blogger at least once.

Did you attend? I’d love to hear in the comments!

xo,

Carlina

Ladies and gents, it’s back! NYFW, that is. In almost one week, NYC will be even more of a blur than it usually is with beautiful people in beautiful clothing dashing to and from shows, appointments, parties, and all other NYFW-related activities. For all you Collective bloggers headed to the Big Apple for the festivities, or those already there, we have one more invite for you! Our ShopStyle Social House was such a success last year in the Fall that we are bringing it back next week, so RSVP here to secure your spot!

We’ll see you in New York!

xo,

Carlina

Are you in town for NYFW? One of our retail partners, Cost Plus World Market is hosting a presentation on Feb. 12, from 9 a.m.-10 a.m., to highlight and share the 2016 home and lifestyle trends they are most excited about. If you are a Collective blogger who focuses on home, interior, or lifestyle and you’re in town, please sign up here to attend this presentation. All attendees will get a $50 gift card to spend at World Market! Not only do you get a lovely parting gift, but attending this event gives you a great chance to connect with the marketing team that works closely with influencers and learn more about World Market!

Sign up here if you’re interested in attending!

xo,

Carlina

 

Big news: Glossier is now on ShopStyle Collective! Yeah, you know that beauty brand started by Emily Weiss of blog fame Into the Gloss? Not only is Glossier, which is uberpopular with fashion bloggers, able to be linked to on Collective now, but the brand is giving away the above Phase 1 set to celebrate.

There are two different ways to enter this sweepstakes. The first is a must-do to qualify your entry, and the second is optional but an additional way to win this set. When you finish these requirements fill this form out here.

1. Blog about Glossier, or mention it by adding Collective links to your post, AND share your blog post on Instagram.
2. Follow ShopStyle on Instagram and tag your shared blog IG with ShopStyle.

Read sweepstakes rules here. Good luck!

xo,

Carlina

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES. All entrants must be the age of majority in their respective state as of the date of entry and over 18 years of age. “Glossier x ShopStyle Collective Giveaway” “the Contest opens at 3:30 p.m. PST on 02/02/2016 and closes at 11:59 p.m. PST on 02/29/2016. Void where prohibited by law. Participation constitutes entrant’s full unconditional agreement and acceptance of the Official Rules, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy. Contest is sponsored by POPSUGAR Inc. (owner and operator of popsugar.com) having an address of 111 Sutter Street, Suite 850, San Francisco, CA 94104. Total of all prizes valued at $160.