Texas Style Council 2013

(Texas Style Council 2013 credentials.)

Last weekend I attended Texas Style Council, an up-and-coming conference for bloggers and small businesses, held right here in Austin.  It’s times like this that I really wish I was 25 again, because juggling motherhood and a budding blogging career gets pretty tough sometimes.  My parents graciously watched the boys for the weekend, and Ryan kindly shuttled me back and forth between our house and the conference site downtown, since there’s not much parking and I’m a wimp when it comes to driving in city traffic.  We also got to spend some much-needed time together without our little guys, and though there were lots of schedule changes, it all worked out in the end and I really enjoyed the conference!

(Outside the Texas Style Council clothing swap.)

This was TxSC’s fourth year, and it has literally grown to ten times its original size.  Beginning as a small fashion event attended by 35 people during South by Southwest in 2010, the conference hosted over 350 attendees this past weekend.  There were lots of amazing events, including a clothing swap, inspiring speeches, a prom party, and plenty of time to meet new friends from around Texas and beyond.  Since I attended Alt Summit in January, I knew what to expect as far as conferences go, and I definitely felt more relaxed in my own city.

Though it was billed as a “fashion” conference, that’s really just one aspect of TxSC, and all the attendees were incredibly friendly and eager to learn more about expanding their blogs and their businesses.  There were no blue tights in the bunch (though I did see some amazing printed leggings!), and we all knew how to dress appropriately for the August heat.

( Chatting with Bethany, The Glamorous Housewife, outside the swap Friday night. It was really hot and I was kind of melting.)

I attended talks by Jenni Dawson from Story of My Life and Bethany Herwegh of The Glamorous Housewife (whom I might have encouraged to come!).  And the keynote address by Elsie and Emma of A Beautiful Mess was really fun and informative, too!  The clothing swap Friday night was insane and overwhelming, but I walked away with a new book, a new blouse, and a new dress!  It was definitely an ice-breaker and a great way to kick off the weekend.

(Elsie and Emma from A Beautiful Mess gave a very fun and informative keynote speech.)

Overall, Texas Style Council is a great opportunity to engage with other bloggers and businesses, and is also an incredible value for the price.  Tickets sold out quickly, and I don’t think the large number of attendees was expected, because things were a little crowded at times.  But that’s an awesome problem to have, and I definitely think I’ll attend next year, since it’s literally in my backyard.  I’m excited to watch this event grow larger each year, and I’m thrilled to support it.  Next year, I think I’ll book a room at the hotel and enjoy the full experience.  Y’all should come!

(Words to live by, from Elsie and Emma’s speech.)

If you attended Texas Style Council 2013, don’t be shy!  Leave a comment and let me know how your weekend went.