So you know the party I’ve been talking about for months, the one I’ve been planning since February {yes, it took FIVE months to make it happen}? Well, it came and went and was awesome {I’m sing-songing that part}.
The coolest thing about the party is the fact that 6 women from all across the country with different talents came together to pull off an amazing event. Jennifer is the decorator of my dreams, Beth a PR goddess, Marie go-getter and team cheerleader, Jane graphic design diva, Ciaran creative genius. Oh and me, resident pit bull and overall coordinator.
{M&M;’s Customized with our SocialLuxe Logo, so cute!}
In order for this event to actually take place, each of the hostesses invested hundreds of hours into the party. We held weekly conference calls, ongoing Skype conversations, legal calls, sponsor calls, and literally thousands of emails.
It was the most work I’ve put into anything. Ever. I had a few little nervous breakdowns, the house looked like a case study for social services, and my family ate nothing but take-out for months on end, but it was worth all the work.
The videographer of the event said the SocialLuxe Lounge felt like a few Oscar parties he’s attended. It was divine.
All six hostesses flew into Chicago the day before the party and got to work. We worked, and worked, and worked. It literally took us 12 hours the first day stuffing swag, pulling together last minute details, getting everything into place. The great news is that we all hit it off like wildfire in real life.
{The swag bags}
The best part of it besides feeling {to borrow a phrase from Jane} completely empowered as a woman, was getting to see it all put together. It was like watching a dream unfold into reality.
And the whole reason we threw the party in the first place? To honor blogging friends from all over the world. It’s pretty spectacular meeting your *virtual* girlfriends in person.
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Me and Deb, one of my favorite people. She brought me to tears with kind comments. Love her.
Gwen Bell, Gabrielle and Holly.
Newly henna-ed darlings.
And it was kind of fun to be photographed by the stalkeratzzi, I won’t lie.
The hostesses.
The awards.
Ali Worthington {aka my new bff, aka fussypants aka social media genius}
MamaPop winning Guiltiest Pleasure award. Oh, how I love them.
Verdict? Smashing success. Clean-tinis, Jones Soda, shrimp, chocolate, manicures, make-up, henna tattoos, sugaring, massage therapy, the works. See you there in 2010 New York City! We’re already planning…
Go here to see all the fun.
Allison
Hello there! I'm Allison Czarnecki, founder + editor of Petit Elefant, a blog all about style on a budget for every part of your life: style / home / travel / family. I do a lot of how-to beauty + style tutorials, travel posts, easy recipes, home remodel projects, and cool DIY crafts you totally want to try. I'm super happily married (to a hot Polish immigrant) and am the mother of two kids, a daughter and son, all of whom are featured here on the regular. We live in the country but we're a little bit rock + roll. Welcome!
It looks like it was ABSOLUTELY amazing. I hope to be there in 2010!!
I worship you. sign me up for 2010.
I can't imagine pulling something like that off from all around the country–you guys are nuts!
I'm so going to 2010.
The best part of this event for me?
YOU.
You were a gracious and kind hostess.
And funny. And rocked the long dress thing. And just neat-o to meet.
Thanks for it all.
As soon as I walked into that room, I knew that no other party would come anywhere close.
I felt like I was at an Oscar party.
It was brilliant. Perfectly brilliant.
Thank you for all your amazing hard work and for being such a gracious hostess.
Hi! I missed the party but have loved seeing all the photos that have been shared! I will make it to the party in 2010. :)
Seriously amazing and wonderful. Your party, and you! So great to remember that good time!
You guys did an amazing job! I had a blast!!
It looks like the party went great!! Donna showed me some of her stuff she got – way cool! How do you get to go to one of these? I so think Donna should go!
What was amazing was arriving to people saying, "well, President Obama is in the hotel right now, so we had to relocate the party." You had to relocate for The President! To a stunning room, with gorgeous decorations, fun pampering, friendly vendors. It was just the most elegant event, all around. Thank you for having me to announce a winner with Gabby – truly, it was the best birthday (!) I've ever had. You all singing to me while on stage took the cake.
It was such an awesome party!!! Let me know if I can help with next years party, I'll be there! :)