by: Kellen Winters
Disclaimer: I WAS NOT PAID TO WRITE THIS.
At any rate, I’ve reached my 9-month mark! That’s right! Before we go making assumptions, this milestone has nothing to do with constituents, but has EVERYTHING to do with having a baby. Does that make any sense? Anyway, in a brief hungover, but progressive conversation WITH KOB, I cornily admitted that CBN has in fact changed and altered my life in many respects. Ahhhh the self-assisted homework assignments.
Anyhoo mama and I would argue that I’ve been cool since I came out the womb, but let’s face it- just because I think I’ve got valuable insight and clout doesn’t mean that everyone think so, too. With its endless opportunities Chicago Blogger Network has molded my cool. You all wouldn’t believe the people that reach out to me because of my affiliation with the network. It’s crazy. As an example, since my work here, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a number of different clients As a “tastemaker,” we are used to help new and well-established brands gain valuable insight as to the many creative ways to utilize technology and Social Media as marketing platforms. Honestly, I’m still in awe of how valuable our opinions are as members of Gen Y. Are we really that
abstruse? Anyway, I’ve always felt as one of the most valuable aspects of working with CBN was this ability to connect to people and organizations that I normally would have not otherwise.
Ok and just one more quick thing n I’ll shut up. WE’RE RUNNING A BUSINESS. Yes, Chicago Blogger Network is indeed a business, but starting our as an intern I guess I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. Unlike your average, corporate-driven 9-5, working with CBN has been off-beat (in a FAB way) since the beginning. We channel our creativity, networks, and everything in between. Our hands are in every basket. One day is class, I was chatting it up with one of the business students at DePaul, bragging telling him about what exactly it is that I “do.” His response will probably stick with me until forever. He said, “Kellen, it sounds like you’re somewhat of an entrepreneur. What you do makes you a professional badass.” Bottom line: working for this organization creates a multitude of marketable skills in almost any facet of the communications and business field- something I don’t think very many 22-year-olds have to show for themselves. My friends consistently tell me they’re jealous of this. I always say that they should be. ; )
photo c/o Juicy Couture
We sinners at the Chicago Blogger Network believe that some of life’s greatest pleasures are the 3 C’s; Clothes, Cocktails and good Company (In Chicago! How fitting?!). If you attended Juicy Couture’s #JuicyBeachWeekend event co-hosted by our very own Jena Gambaccini of ChiCityFashion on May 16th, then you know that all of the above were flowing at full capacity. WHEW, breathe.
We were greeted at the front door with free raffle tickets for custom DIY necklaces by Juicy. This should have been ample foreshadowing for the night, but it was a Wednesday— so we were naive.
But seriously, let’s fast forward to the meat of it.
The most precious servers pranced around the event with platters full of what can only be described as some of the most pallette-pleasing munchies ever. To top off the taste bud tango, cocktails were served at a satisfying pace to ensure a happy crowd. The fun doesn’t stop there though, the geniuses at Juicy, SkirtPR and of course Jena, had more in store for us. After climbing a few steps to the upper level of Juicy’s cool Oak St. digs, our hearts very well could have palpitated if we weren’t so damn skinny. ; )
More snacks, more cocktails, more people, more AMAZING summer fashions by Juicy (20% off merch that night!), and one little thing….a live illustrator! The ever fabulous Rosemary Fanti (who also did Jena’s logo!) did some lethal sketches of the guests throughout the night. Of course by lethal I mean KILLER as in SICK as in obviously DOPE. Trust me, you’d be just as enthused if you witnessed the magic. If the party itself wasn’t enough to make this an uber successful event, then the partial donation of the night’s sales to one of Jena’s favorite charities, PAWS, made it outstanding.
For photos and more of the 411 on #JuciyBeachWeekend, be sure to checkout ChiCityFashion’s re-cap!
Ohhhh this is good. What Goes On is for all you who love to lurk some solid celeb styles. If you don’t believe me check out her profile on the PURRRFECT Diane Kruger in Cannes. Ugh we rolled over and died.
It’s Monday so that can only mean one thang— #CBNSHOUTOUTS. Today we’ve got the pleasure of featuring The Violet Door, which showcases the best of interior and fashion design and everything that is cool in between. OH and be sure to check out author Jenna Halberstadt’s May Day Parade Playlist. It’s epic!
Meet Kayla of Kikamarie88! Kikamarie88 is a beauty tips YouTube channel, where Kayla provides make-up tutorials, beauty product reviews, and other fashionable features! This Chicago teen definitely has an eye for beauty trends, so check out Kikamarie88 soon!
Meet Erin Vanderberg of Loop Looks! Erin features daily work outfits on her blog, showing readers her awesome yet affordable professional outfits for working in downtown Chicago! Sooo crucial for those of us who can’t afford $500 suits from Nordstrom’s (aka ME). If you’re looking for a chic Chicago work look, definitely check out Loop Looks sometime!
Meet Joelen Tan, fab founder and blogger of What’s Cookin’ Chicago?. What’s Cookin’ Chicago? is a blog devoted to culinary sessions and recipes in Chicago, after Joelen saw a need for affordable and approachable culinary classes in the Windy City. She features some absolutely delicious gluten-free recipes that can be used for small dinners or large parties! Definitely check out What’s Cookin’ Chicago? sometime soon!
Jason Mraz has such a relaxed happy sound, don’t you think? Recently The Everyday Gay featured Mraz’s new song, “I Won’t Give Up,” from his new album Love Is A Four Letter Word. Mraz was inspired to write the song from his support for gay rights and marriage.
What a sweet song! And any posts about love are good in my book. Check out the music video, as well as an interview with Jason Mraz here.
Meet Debi Lilly, founder of A Perfect Event and event planner extraordinaire! Her blog provides some beautiful and bright ideas for every event imaginable, including Mother’s Day! From floral arrangements to favorite window displays, Debi Lilly has it all, so be sure to check it out!
Remember Clip Art? Remember the ridiculous illustrations used for grade school Power Point presentations? Nicole McGrath-Patti of Clip Snark does. Be sure to check out Nicole’s sarcastic gems at Clip Snark!
Meet Drew Moody, founder and blogger of A Table in the Corner of the Cafe! Drew meshes his editorial skills with his passion for all things java to provide some caffeinated news on coffee, cafes, and community. So much coffee love! Be sure to check out A Table in the Corner of the Cafe for a jolt of coffee enthusiasm!
Get beachy with CBN member Jena Gambaccini aka ChiCityFahion and Juicy this Wednesday!
Jena will be teaming up with Juicy to promo their new summer collection (check out Jena’s sneak peak here).
Guests will enjoy 20% all merch, lite bites, libations, and so much more!
Be sure to RSVP to RSVP@SkirtPR.com!
See you all there!
Meet Nicole Nelson, blogger for Great Dates In The City! Great Dates features a wide variety of fashion and food happenings in Chicago, as well as some of Nicole’s Windy City adventures. Be sure to check out Great Dates In The City for some Chicago outing ideas!
