“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”

-JOAN W A L S H ANGLUND

This past weekend marked the official first day of Spring. My Saturday was off to an overcast start but I refused to let it break my sunny spirit. I think such days serve as a reminder to always seek the silver lining. We often forget that the sun has in fact not deserted us, it’s simply hidden, waiting to see if we’ll create our own happiness. I turned on my Tropical House playlist, set my hair in rollers and danced about my room hoping my spirits might lift the clouds. Later that afternoon I would be cruising to Beverly Hills for the Kimora Lee Simmons 2016 Spring Preview hosted by Blogger Babes. 

(Cue the break through)

This wasn’t my first Beverly Hills rendezvous, however it was my first blogger event in the fancy hood. Questions loomed in my mind similar to that of the overcast sky that hung above. Would I be accepted? How would the other women hold themselves? Would I feel comfortable? With all the uncertainties clouding my judgement, I decided it was best to wipe the slate clean and allow the thoughts to pass by without attachment. Ironically the moment I did this the sun popped out from behind the clouds and it was a beautiful Spring day. Now all I had to focus on was bringing the best energy I could to the room I was about to enter. I walked up Beverly and made my way into the store with assurance; I was exactly where I belonged at that moment in time. 

I clearly had nothing to worry about. I was instantly reminded of this the moment I was welcomed with a glass of champagne and a familiar face. Ashley greeted me with a friendly hug and a smile and all was well. The room was bright and welcoming. The decor was ultra-femme, minimalist and chic with rose gold accents. There was a supportive energy in the room that left me feeling comfortable and peaceful. I felt as though I could be myself without the need to promote myself.

The collection was simple, beautifully crafted and luxurious. Primarily black and white looks with a nice balance of mixed mediums such as silk, leather and lace. Ash and I circumnavigated the store checking out the pieces, and a black and white leather moto jacket caught my eye. It had an air of crazy, sexy, cool with its yin-yang appeal and slightly unexpected color-blocked sleeves.

I was pleased to find all the women to be very open, warm and excited to meet one another. There was a genuine glow that poured from the room and it wasn’t the sunshine or bubbly. The thing that I loved most about the event was honestly the women! Don’t get me wrong, I loved the clothes, but this event was beautifully crafted around the clothes and elevated by the people in the room. The energy was undeniable. 

I met other bloggers who were also chasing their dreams and equally desired to make a difference in the lives of others. The best part was there wasn’t a hint of competition in the room, which was refreshing. Two women I hit it off with were Sasha Frank and Ripsime Paronikyan. Both were on a similar mission to love and accept their natural beauty and encourage others to do the same. I even met a quick witted woman named Cherry who loved my sock/outfit coordination and I loved her humor. 

All in all, the KLS x Blogger Babes event hit the mark on many levels. There was that Beverly Hills class, which played as the backdrop for the celebration of entrepreneurial women. It exceeded my expectations in terms of a social gathering because I clearly decided not to form any expectations. By wiping the slate clean, I experienced an amazing introduction into the world of blogger events. It also helped me see that regardless of profession, status, follower count or appearances, we’re all here to sing individual songs in our own beautiful tone. It served as a reminder that authenticity is far from dead, it’s just getting started.