BHG Stylemaker 2014 Event Recap

Exactly two weeks ago today I was on board the train from Lynchburg, making my way to the big apple for the Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Workshop. It was such a whirlwind trip, but I’m so thrilled that I was able to go a second year in a row. If you remember, last year was a really an incredible experience for me. It was my very first blogger conference and I learned more than I could even describe—in terms of networking, in terms of the magazine and also in terms of myself as a creative.

This year, if you can imagine, was even BETTER than the last! The day started with a reception hosted and decorated by Minted at the NYC Meredith Corp. offices, where we all got registered, name tagged and reacquainted with long-lost blogger buds. Then we were whisked off for a day of learning in individual sessions with BHG editors. I learned the science behind photostyling, how to more effectively plan for a photoshoot, tons of secrets on social engagement and how to maximize the story angles out of our house. I also had the EXTREME pleasure of learning some new styling tricks from Eddie Ross—always a pleasure.

Speaking of talented, creative men…There may also have been a Nate Berkus sighting…And, yes, we ALL freaked out a little bit.

After the individual learning sessions, we were welcomed into the Better Show studios where Nate Berkus acted as moderator for the Stylemaker Panel. We snagged some pretty awesome insight from Gen Sohr of Pencil & Paper Co., Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking and Susan Feldman of One King’s Lane. Those women are such models for success. And Nate was a perfect gentleman, of course—full of hysterical stories and answers to a couple of our own burning questions.

After the Stylemaker Panel, we all piled onto a tour bus and made our way from Meredith Corp. to the Gansevoort Hotel for the after party. Here, we let our hair down, enjoyed some pretty fabulous cocktails and had the opportunity to REALLY catch up and gush about the day’s events.

^^^My now-real-life-friend Rachel of The Crafted Life snapping a shot of the
aforementioned fabulous signature cocktail

See all of the photos from the event right here, as shot by Avi Gerver. BIG thanks to my incredible roommates Sarah of Sarah Hearts, Jeran of Oleander + Palm and Sarah of Sarah M. Dorsey Designs for the fun two-night sleepover and, of course, to Better Homes and Gardens and all of the fabulous sponsors for hosting yet another incredible event. This magazine and its team of editors is just ace and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for our partnerships in the coming year. Cheers!

Photos courtesy Avi Gerver (except for the photobooth shots, care of Oh Snap Smile)