Monday, April 28, 2014

Emerald Lace

green lace dress_kendra scott cuff_gigi new york clutch

I drove to Dallas this weekend for a style blog conference...by myself. I wore this emerald lace dress that I found last minute at a vintage shop in Austin. I had already packed my "Day One" outfit, but when I discovered this feminine lacy number, my plans immediately changed. 

I am not going to lie, going to a blog conference wearing a dress that was previously owned was a little risky. I knew good and well that most of the girls attending would be wearing the latest and greatest, but I wanted to stay 100% true to myself and my style. You ladies know that I am all about finding and sharing pieces that won't break the bank, look classy and polished and hold a quality that will last longer than one wear.

green lace dress_kendra scott cuff_gigi new york clutch
green lace dress_kendra scott cuff_gigi new york clutch
Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings_ Kendra Scott Cuff
green lace dress_kendra scott cuff_gigi new york clutch
green lace dress_kendra scott cuff_gigi new york clutch
green lace dress_kendra scott cuff_gigi new york clutch
green lace dress_kendra scott cuff_gigi new york clutch
green lace dress_kendra scott cuff_gigi new york clutch
Vintage Dress (options here and here) // Forever 21 Wedges (option here and here) // Gigi New York Clutch c/o // Kendra Scott Cuff c/o The Jeweler's Wife // Kendra Scott Earrings // Wrenn Jewelry Ring c/o // Gorjana Griffin Ring c/o

Many of you texted, emailed and messaged me over the weekend asking how things were going. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for thinking of me and giving moral support. There were three blog buds (you know who you are) plus my husband and mom that got me through 48 hours of intimidation.

Yes, I said intimidation. I am a confident woman. I hold my head high most of the time. I am a social butterfly. I have never met a stranger. I can hold a conversation with a blank wall. That is the way I have always been.

This weekend was a little a lot out of my comfort zone. I went to an event where I literally didn't know anyone personally and was surrounded by some of the most successful women in fashion/style blogging. Was I honored? Excited? Nauseous? Grateful? Scared out of my mind? Yes, to all of the latter.

I learned so much about myself this weekend, gained an enormous amount of knowledge, met with some amazing brands, made new friends, had a few laughs, broke my favorite pair of shoes, drank a glass of champagne morning, noon and night (it got me through), grew tougher skin and was encouraged to just go for it...not for anyone else, but myself.

There were some great times with my roommates, delicious dinners with blog friends, group conversations, meeting bloggers that I have followed since I started, but many times I found myself alone. Wandering around, feeling like I was the only one there or even invisible at times. It wasn't the easiest feeling to swallow, but I did. I held my head high, focused on why I was there and reminded myself, at least a hundred times, that these two days did not define me, my life or potential.

My point is, whatever you are doing at this very moment; whether it is trying to grow your blog, career, relationships, faith or building confidence, know that you don't need anyone else to help you do it. YOU are enough. Stay true to yourself. I know that is so cliche, but really you don't need to follow the masses. You don't have to replicate. You don't have to be part of whatever "crowd" you think you need to join to make an impact or be successful. Follow your passions, dreams and aspirations because it is what YOU want to do. I promise, you will be fine. I was fine. I was actually better than fine. I became stronger and more fulfilled than I have been in a long time.

Reach for the stars, people! No matter how terrified you are. Try and not compare yourself to others around you because every single one of us are beautifully made and have something spectacular to offer. xoxo

On a side note, I did find a few options for the dress I wore. Some of you asked for details. Since it is vintage, I couldn't link to the exact dress, but hope you find something below that suits your style just as much, if not more. Happy shopping! 



Shanna

73 comments:

Unknown said...

This is such a great post Shanna! I am a very social person but attending a conference and making really small talk gets tiring fast so I can see how this could be a bit intimidating.

I am glad that you had the opportunity to attend this conference and looking great too!

Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

Elegance and Mommyhood said...

Shanna, you looked great at your conference. Small talk can be both positive and negative. I guess it's good to break the ice with that.

This Dress is truly gorgeous. I love the color, style and lace. Come to think of it I also own an Emerald Green Dress with some Lace on the bottom. Though I am afraid with my 5.7" frame and long legs, it sort of fits more like a Tunic. I need to wear it though.

You styled yours beautifully. I am in love with the clutch, earrings and cuff.

And if you have time, I'd love your true fashionista stamp on what you think about how I am remixing my closet this month on a 30 for 30 challenge. Thanks so much.

Have a Great new week, Ada. =)

Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) said...

You look gorgeous, I knew that dress was a keeper ever since I saw it on IG. And I know it can be intimidating meeting other bloggers, but like you said just be yourself and do not compare yourself to others.

xo
​PinkSole​

Charming Lucy said...

I would certainly rank you as one of the top bloggers in the business! You have nothing to be intimidated about! Your blog is real - which is why I love it - and you(: There are many blogs that are great to look at - fabulous clothing, perfect skin, etc. Your blog also presents beautiful clothing, perfect skin, great accessories, but you are real Shanna. You are someone I would take Zumba class with, someone I would love to have as a neighbor. That is what makes you different from many of the rest. Please don't change who you are - you are prefect as is! I always feel that my blog is never as good as the others. But I am having fun and meeting new friends, so I continue. Thanks for the uplifting post and please just be Shanna. We love you as you are(: Susan

Charming Lucy said...

Oh and I have always wondered if the Kendra Scott earrings are heavy! I would love a pair for Mother's Day but I don't like heavy earrings(: Thanks! Susan

TaraMixandMatch said...

Shanna, you look gorgeous! I love green on you! So glad that you went even though it was intimidating...I think I would have felt the same way! Know that it was for the good of your blog and I'm sure you learned so many great things that will help it grow even bigger!

Caitlin C said...

I think this post is why you are one of my favorite bloggers. You are so real and down to earth! And by the way, emerald green looks absolutely fabulous on you! I'm so glad you wore this there!

Caitlin Cleland
www.withpearlsandastethoscope.com

Unknown said...

That dress is spring perfection Shanna! Especially the details!

xo,
http://www.chachathefashiongenius.com/

Kimberly said...

So proud of you friend for keeping the right perspective - oh, and you look absolutely gorgeous in this green dress too!! xoxo

www.pennypincherfashion.com

Kate at Green Fashionista said...

Gorgeous dress and I love that you stayed true to yourself and wore it to the blog conference :-D

Jasmin daily said...

Shanna, so happy you got this dress for the conference, you look gorg!!! I am happy you made the best of an intimidating situation, I probably would of curled up under a table and been in tears haha. Way to go chick! :)

xoxo
Jasmin
www.jasmindaily.com

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

GIRL. That green dress is AMAZING and you are GORGEOUS! CASE CLOSED!!!!

Anonymous said...

You could not have picked a better dress. You look flawless and gorgeous as ever!

I know that feeling, I hate it, but I am so proud of you for holding your head high and not letting that feeling bring you down. I am so in awe of the awesome things you do, and I am glad you are so great at doing them!

Heidi said...

That dress is gorgeous! I went to my first blogger conference with a friend and if I didn't have a friend I don't know if I would have done it. I totally get what you mean about the intimidation aspect!

http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

I wish everyone repeated YOU are enough to themselves three times a day.

I'm proud of you for going this weekend!

So glad you chose the green dress and rocked it.

Nicole said...

Shanna - You look stunning in this green dress! I am so proud of you for staying true to yourself and rocking this vintage beauty! You struck a cord with me on this blog. I have been struggling with how "good" my faith is compared to others. Sometimes I feel like I am not as good of a Christian because I am not as outgoing with sharing my faith with the world as some people I know. Also, I have been having a lot of issues with my body. I have gained some weight since getting married and I just don't look quite the same as I did before. I am getting closer to 30 though - so the body is "dropping" too. =( .... But this blog made me feel inspired to love me for who I am, to know that God loves me for me - and I can overcome. Thank you, Shanna! You are, BY FAR, my favorite blogger!!!

Wine and Couture said...

I think you are amazing! Congratulations on making it through the conference with your head high and coming out stronger! When I saw the conference going on via Instagram I was kinda sad I wasn't there. However, I would totally have to go with someone I know because I am not a social butterfly. Love your vintage find and can't wait to read more about the conference!
xo, Lee

Gina Daily said...

Thanks for sharing your experiences at the conference and your totally authentic, honest opinions about your feelings! I think many of us would have felt the same. I really admire you for pushing through the feelings of insecurity and intimidation to just go for it. Thanks for the words of inspiration!
Gina
On the Daily Express

Anonymous said...

congrats on all of your amazing experiences! That dress is stunning on you.

Jamie
www.candystilettos.com

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

Hearing your complete honesty is so refreshing. It's nice to know that someone I admire so greatly has moments of insecurity. I've been struggling a little lately feeling like maybe I'm not on the right path with my blog, but this was really just what I needed to hear today. Thanks for the inspiration! xo

Alissa said...

I am a really confident person too and the thought of going to that conference scared the crap out of me. I feel like I would feel so alone and lost. I am so happy that you went!

Unknown said...

You are one of my favorite bloggers because you come across as a real woman. I truly enjoy your posts because you are honest and aren't about the latest and greatest designer pieces. I mean, who can buy a $2k+ bag every week? I love that you love Forever 21 as much as I do. But I understand the intimidation factor. I deal with that in my every day life even with other moms! Thank you for this post. It's nice to know others feel the same way. And that dress is beautiful.

Angela said...

love this, Shanna. It really hit home. I am in the process of building my photography website and so many times I've second guessed myself. am i good enough? am i worth the money? etc. so thank you. and the dress is fab. as was the other outfit with the floral blazer. :)

Alyssa said...

I know for a fact that I would have been out-of-my-mind intimidated if I was there. There's just nothing about a situation like that that makes me feel comfortable. That being said, I'm really inspired by how you handled yourself! Oh, and how pretty you look in this dress :)

Rachel said...

First off, this color is perfection on you. Secondly, I totally would feel the same way. Hell, I don't even get invited to things like that blogger meetup and that even is hard/hurtful a little. I get super shy in social situations and people can mistake it for bitchiness, but that's so far from the truth. I have confidence in many areas, but social situations aren't always one. You're not alone :) And thanks for the inspiration!

Ladies in Navy said...

this is so darling! love the dress, love the jewelry, and love the honesty in your post. :)
ladies in navy

Unknown said...

Shanna once again thx so much for sharing your experiences on this weekend. As soon as I saw you on insta going; I was curious what your observations would be. It surely was a super exciting time. It is very encouraging how you stayed true to yourself and worked through your feelings to improve and grow. Love this post lovely lady! Ohhh and you look just stunning with that green dress.
Elif @ theboxqueen

TheTinyHeart said...

That emerald green dress is so gorgeous on you! I am very shy around people I don't know so I would've been totally intimidated too. Good for you for doing and being an original in a sea of clones!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Starbucks Giveaway!

Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} said...

So glad you came...it was great to meet you, and so fun to hang out over dinner!!!

Helene in Between said...

i love this look and glad you went to the conference! (although wish I could have seen you!) i would have a hard time going to an event like that but looks like you had a wonderful time!

Kim said...

Way to go! I saw pics over the weekend of the conference and thought to myself that there is no way I could go there and feel comfortable. Just seeing the pictures was intimidating. But Congrats on going and holding your head up high and just being you. If only more women there followed that same outlook :)

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

First of all, you looked AMAZING. I LOVE this dress on you! And I am so proud of you for taking on this conference. It is very intimidating to go to these things...especially not knowing anyone. You are a beautiful person inside & out and deserved to be there. Thank you for letting me be a part of it with you (if only through texts and phone calls)...ha ha! Love you girl!

XOXO, Jenn
The Stylish Housewife

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing a true perspective of these conferences Shana. Throughout the weekend my insta was bombarded with all the groupies and selfies of bloggers at the conference and I often wondered if I were there, I would be so terribly lonely because I wouldnt know a single soul..would i be left out, would it feel like high school/college sorority all over again? Would these "new friendships" really mean anything. And you put to rest a lot of those thoughts. There will always be groups and groupism,and the one thing that stuck out is growing a tougher skin, you are so right about it. Thanks again and before I forget, this lacy number is stunning on you!! Absolutely gorgeous with the neutral toned accessories..

Whitney 'Nic' James said...

You look lovely, Shanna! Love the color on you and you styled this dress perfectly. Great tips too. Being true to who you really are is always the best way to go. Good for you stepping outside of your comfort zone. :-)

Happy Monday...xo!

~Whitney
www.whitneynicjames.com

Unknown said...

Shanna, what.a.find. !!!! You make this dress absolutely DAZZLE. Gorgeous, babe! XO -m-

Paige Flamm said...

I am loving this green dress! It is so perfect for a night out in the springtime.

Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com

Tori said...

Love this whole look--go you for being different and standing out--because this is one of the best dresses I have seen this year (and I love that its not right off the runway) I LOVE this post even more :) It can be so easy to want to fit in and go with the crowd--feeling alone at times is so hard. But, being unique and special is what makes us all stand out. And You my dear are more than enough! Glad you had some great friends to help you through.

Tori
FashionBlingGirlyThings

Stesha said...

I am so proud of you! I loooove this dress, i am so happy you rocked it because it is incredible! I cant wait to chat today , love ya lady bug!

xxS

Adri Lately said...

Thanks for keeping it real! Conferences can be very intimidating but glad you did come out stronger!
xo Adri
www.adrilately.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Regardless of everything you were feeling, it sounds like a great time! I hope you were able to learn a lot and connect with some great brands. And GIRL good for you on this vintage dress. Vintage is my number one favorite to wear... classic, beautiful, and from what I saw on my Insta feed... this ensemble definitely stood out IN A GOOD way :) So proud of all you have accomplished!

Because of Jackie said...

Oh, I am so proud of you for getting out there and doing something, even if it scared you (I would have been terrified!) I have to say, after seeing a lot of coverage of the conference and pictures and such, I think you stand out more because it isn't the same thing, you know? Rockstud's and Celine bags get old when every single person seems to own one.

A Labour of Life said...

First of all that colour is perfect on you, and then congrats on stepping out of your zone. I did the same thing two weeks ago and at my spouses urging attended my first blogging conference where I knew not a sole, and you are right, I was OK.
Great post, and great outfit.
Lindaandkent1@gmail.com

Marta said...

Your dress looks really nice! Lovely blog!

http://www.MARTASFASHIONDIARY.com/
M A R T A posted…Special Pants On Easter

DIYLori said...

LOVE that dress! perfect look for you!
Thank you for the last bit of inspiration. I have been struggling with those feelings lately, but need to remind myself that being true to me is numero uno.
Stay inspiring, love! Keep being you ! :)

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

Good for you, Shanna! It takes a lot of courage to do something like this alone! You are amazing for not only doing it, but for coming out of it even stronger (minus a pair of amazing shoes)! And it's so important for us to stay true to ourselves. I love that you wore this dress!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for a beautiful and inspiring post. Your dress is lovely and so is the jewelry. Great pieces together. Rachel xo

KatieMc said...

with legs like those, it would have been criminal to wear anything else. BAM!

Caroline said...

This outfit is on point - emerald's an amazing color on you! And snaps to you for going out of your comfort zone. Never an easy thing to do, but always, always rewarding!

Bri said...

Yes! Love the shoes you paired with this. And your words of inspiration...thank you. You truly are so genuine you sessy Mamma you ;)

Heather said...

I hope to be able to attend the same conference next year and I already have the same fears about it. I can imagine how intimidating it is! But look at you, being featured by Lucky and all here lately- you go girl! It's nice to hear the other side of the weekend, where you just might not know many people but you do it anyway. Kudos to you for sticking to it :)

Heather | Port City Prescription

OccasionallyAJ said...

1. That dress is FAB! Glad you decided to go for it, the nude shoes are perfect.
2. Why were you so scared?! You ARE one of those amazing bloggers that everyone looks up to! You're just as fab as those other ladies! I understand that its scary to go somewhere alone when you're used to traveling with a clan though. Cheers to you!!

-AJ
OccasionallyAJ.com

Amy said...

I am so glad that you stayed true to yourself and wore this gorgeous dress. What an amazing color on you! Good for you for taking the plunge and attending this conference. What an inspiring story. I hope you know how amazing you are :)

xo Amy
www.urbanfrill.com

Misty, Handbags + Handguns said...

You look fabulous in this color!

Marta said...

Thank you so much for this post Shanna!! I'm new to blogging and reading this really inspired me to keep following my passions and not give up. You are so brave and I don't know that I could have such courage going on my own to a conference like that. Just starting a blog was a huge step for me so being in a room full of strangers would definitely be intimidating. Thanks for this uplifting message and for staying true to yourself.
Oh and that dress is just stunning-you look beautiful.

www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com

Nikki said...

First of all, this dress is gorgeous on you. I love that it is vintage. I have no talent (or patience) for vintage shopping. That color is amazing on you. Second, I think it is so amazing that you got to go to the conference. I would have been so intimidated and I don't know that I could have gone alone. I am sure you were the HIT of the conference! I hope you had a fantastic time and learned so much! I would love to get to go some day!

Nikki
thefashionablewife.com

Anonymous said...

Good job on your conference! It's important to step outside of your comfort zone every once in awhile. I aspire that my blog and I will make it as far as you have come someday. And also, that dress is absolutely gorgeous. The lace and color and style is perfect!
xo Olivia

Kelly said...

The color of this dress is beautiful and I love your cuff!

Ashleigh said...

The dress is beautiful, the color is gorgoeus on you. I bet you really stood out! My only suggestion is a belt because it seems too loose in the waist and the shape doesn't suggest that it's supposed to be that loose. Maybe have it taken in? You're so petite that the little bit of extra fabric can be overwhelming (It's not truly. I love this as is, just a suggestion from a sewer's perspective.)
-Ash
www.stylizedwannabe.blogspot.com

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

I love this dress! So glad that you were able to stretch yourself a little this weekend. Even though it's hard, you are right...it is so worth it!! XO

susan jakovina said...

First off, love this dress + you look just stunning. Perfect choice.
I can totally relate to how you must have felt...did see all of the "big name" bloggers + their Valentino's at the conference throughout the weekend.
It all means a whole lot of nothing but I could imagine it was intimidating + dare I say...cliquey? #highschoolalloveragain
Love you just the way you are. And they could each learn a thing or two from you about keeping it real. xox

Rebecca said...

Way to go Shanna with staying true to yourself & holding it all together at the huge meet! And wow this lace dress is terrific!!!

Rebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

Unknown said...

I love lace so much! So the minute you posted this pic on instagram I was IN LOVE! You look gorgeous! :)

Holly said...

You look stunning in that dress! What a great outfit! And congrats to you on overcoming some of your fears, for following your dreams and growing!! You can never do too much growing in this life. xoxo

Unknown said...

You know why I love you so much? Because you're beautiful, inside and out. You're humble, professional, sweet, and so much more. You look gorgeous by the way ;) Glad you had a great time! xo

Mindie Hilton said...

I am in love with your dress, so pretty. Please come share at the Anything Goes linky, if you have not already. You look wonderful.

My New Happy said...

Shanna- Thank you so much for sharing your fears about your blog conference. I just started blogging because I love to write. Some days I get very intimidated by the other blogs I see. I have to stop comparing myself to them, and this post was a great reminder. Have a great day! :) PS You look amazing in that dress.

Jeans and a Teacup said...

Love the dress! I think it was a great choice! That emerald color is gorgeous!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup

Unknown said...

I went to my first blogger meet up last night and had a similar experience, on a much smaller scale. I went alone, knowing no one, and had a very awkward beginning. After finally getting the courage to introduce myself to a few different people the night turned around and I had a blast!!

I followed all my favorite bloggers at the conference this past weekend and find it amazing and inspiring that you went to that by yourself. I also love that you stayed true to yourself because I know in this blogging world the pressure to "fit in" is always there.

It's nice to hear someone's opinion on the conference who in my opinion, is on a more relatable level, so thank you so much for sharing!!

xo
Emily at Style Cubby

Merrie K. said...

i know this is an old post, but this was such a sweet message...I feel that way at work conferences too or when I'm around really successful people. But you are right...how successful would we be if we only focused on ourselves (in a good way I mean :) ).

Just Another Shopaholic said...

This dress is so beautiful on you! I really love emerald.

Janna Renee said...

That dress couldn't be more perfect for you! I would steal it right off of you. It makes me think of Priscilla Presley, and I just love vintage.

Hillary @ styleinasmalltown said...

Hi Shanna,

I have been following your blog for some time and I have to tell you that I love how real you are with your readers! I just recently started my own blog and I feel so intimated by everyone out there who is already established and has a follow ship and readership! I would feel the exact same way that you did and it inspires me so much that you conquered your fear and more importantly that you share your thoughts/feelings/concerns with us. Thank you so much for staying true to yourself, I hope that I can become the kind of blogger that you are some day!

xoxo,Hillary
styleinasmalltown.com

April said...

I love your dress...green suits you well

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