Two posts in one week? Tomi, you’re officially blogging. Hola friends! I wanted to post this later, but I just couldn’t keep all of the fun to myself. Last weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago for College Fashion Week by Her Campus! The whole experience was surreal, guys. It was my first time going to an event as a blogger or press and it was so much fun!
I was nervous going into it because I hardly knew anyone (except for @morgantimm, and that’s only because I stalk her Instagram pages religiously) but was ready for the start of an amazing adventure. If you follow me on snapchat (if not, what’re you doing?! @goodtomicha) you got to see an exclusive behind the scenes of the entire show. Keep reading to hear my thoughts on the event from start to finish!
I was so sick this weekend I had to pump myself full of cold medication to make sure I wouldn’t sneeze on the designer shoes on the runway! I started the day by shooting a few pictures for my blog with Chicago photographer, Nicole Jansma (an Auburn alum, war eagle!!!) , watched some college football, and prepared for my fabulous evening. After messaging a few other bloggers, we decided to meet up for dinner at Umami Burger before the show. It was so nice to discuss the business with fellow #girlbosses who get it! Your boyfriend can only handle so many conversations about hashtags and follower counts.
The event was in walking distance and after getting lost we finally made it to the 1st Ward Chop Shop. The space was very “industrial-chic” and had two levels. On the bottom housed sponsor tables from Boxed Water (plot twist: it IS better), sweetgreen, Sparkling ICEand KIND Snack Bars. A fully stocked bar AND candy bar was also available for you to satisfy your sweet tooth if the salads weren’t doing it for you. European Wax Center was even there to make sure your eyebrows were on POINT! Of course, I had to use this time to take a few selfies and pictures for the ‘gram with a real press backdrop.
There were four sections to the college fashion week show: Study Chic with Social Canvas, Festival with Foray Collective, Rush with Ali & Ariel and Frill Clothing (they were featured on Shark Tank! Which we already know I’m a fan of…) , and Girl’s Night Out with Bow & Drape! They wasted a great opportunity to play some classic Hannah Montana but that’s just me. Festival was the clear favorite for me because it showcased a surprise guest of one of my favorite brands, Show Me Your Mumu! I was seriously drooling over everything and consistently said ‘YAS HONEY’ to each model that walked by. In between each section, attendees could participate in social media giveaways and visit the style booths.
I made sure to hit up Sparkling ICE’s table to get a makeover and made my way to the sponsors I hadn’t visited yet upstairs! Bertha Watches was giving away free manicure kits as well as showcasing their stylish accessories. Hanes and Maidenform showed their line of nude undergarments in a VARIETY of shades! And as a dark skin woman, I thoroughly appreciated the range that they had to offer. When the event was over, I made sure to connect with other bloggers and friends on social media before I had to say goodbye!
Now, let’s get to the good part. It was honestly like a Faberge egg, guys. Amazing goodies just kept coming! The goodies included smaller gifts like the Drybar Triple Sec Texture Spray and Essie polish to complete your look in under 10 minutes. The Fitbit Flex 2 is apparently destined to be on my wrist because I’ve been gifted this twice in the past year! Probably a sign I should be more active,right?! Finally, Rihanna’s newest fragrance courtesy of Perfumania and the Rebecca Minkoff makeup bag are hands down the best part of the swag.
Final Thoughts: THISWASSOMUCHFUNWHENCANIDOITAGAIN. But in all seriousness, college fashion week was everything I needed it to be and more! From amazing sponsors like Vince Camuto and StyleWatch to meeting your internet blogger friends in real life, I can’t wait to attend next year!
This post is sponsored by Her Campus Media and its College Fashion Week brand partners. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make GoodTomiCha possible!
Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube
You look fab in that dress. The event is an opportunity to meet friends and encounter new lifestyle. Thanks!
This looks like SO much fun!!!
It sounds like you had a rather fantastic time at this event! Intrigued by the boxed water image too.
Looks like you had an amazing time attending College Fashion show as well as meeting awesome bloggers and networking with them!
OMG this seems like such a glam event! Wish I could attend something like this one day! And girl, you are working your outfit!
I’m sure you will! The dress was a great last minute find. Thank you :)
Nice commentary on a great event! You look like you were having fun!
Beth || http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com
I really did. Glad you enjoyed!
What a fun and chic evening! I love all the glitz and glamour. Truly a festive occasion!
That’s extremely important that companies cater to us brown girls! Point for them. And I’m also upset you have TWO new fit it’s! You better use them to the fullest, girl lol. Looks like you had a blast and cannot tell that you were even sick.
You could not tell you were sick! You looked stunning and I could tell you were thoroughly enjoying yourself! Great article!
I’m glad you couldn’t! My face was getting seriously puffy! Haha
Oh what fun you had! I would love to attend something like this!
Love the fact that you have lots of pics on your post. Fashion weeks must be really fun, no?
They truly are! More pics = more pins ;)
This looks like fun! I love all the outfits. The swag bag looks awesome too!
Yes! Can’t wait to use my perfume.
As a lover of Fashion Week, I can understand the excitement. I’m sure you’ll have many more opportunities to do press at other Fashion Week shows.
Thank you so much! And if you don’t mind me asking, are you Nigerian too? Love seeing a fellow one blogging!