Mumnset Blogfest - Who I Met & What I Did

I'll be honest, when the Mumnset Blogfest was first advertised, I didn't think it would be that beneficial for a fashion blogger. I imagined long sessions about writing, getting published and a focus on parenting blogs, as opposed to style/fashion related content. I'm delighted to say I was wrong about it. Yes, there were of course sessions on writing but there was so much more than that. Inspirational speakers, blog and social media clinics, photography sessions and of course, a session dedicated completely to Fashion & Beauty blogging that I was lucky enough to be a panelist on. I honestly got so much from the day, useful information that I can apply to my blog, great contacts to keep in touch with and a fabulous goody bag.
Before the day had even started, I made some new blogging friends - Lynn from Salt & Caramel, who has written a book about Twitter <respect> and Sandy from Baby Baby blog.
First up in the auditorium was Miriam Gonzalez Durantez, a partner at an international law firm…oh and the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister…but she's famously not let that define her. Her inspirational talk about motherhood, the challenges of juggling work and parenting and her anecdotes about her three boys (three boys- eek!) had the whole room falling in love with her. While at this talk I met the lovely Rachael from Pink Blue & You and Frankie from Frankie's Fancies.

Next session was about finding your voice as a blogger. The wonder of technology meant that The Bloggess was able to join us live all the way from Texas (with her cat). While the room discussed writing with passion, authenticity and personality, myself and Gemma from Mission2Mum fell in love with Zoe Williams' shoes... #shallow

It looks spooky but the Bloggess was wonderful on big screen

After some refreshments on the 29th floor - a room with a view and great coffee - I opted to attend the Flight or Fight session (Social Media and Photography for Bloggers were the other choices at this time). The Flight of Fight session discussed how bloggers should deal with detractors and trolls and the panel included Prof. Tanya Byron, Cath Elliot, Liz Fraser, Suzanne Moore and Eleanor Mills. There was great advice about how to cope with negativity on your blog. My favourite quotes were 'Work out who you want validation from and ignore the rest' and 'if the Daily Mail is saying bad things about you, you are truly a remarkable woman' (one for all the mummy bloggers out there today!)

The Fight or Flight 

After this session, I had a lovely chat with Laura, a follower of my blog, who also has a blog of her own (Two Point Four Cycles) and we enjoyed lunch together..while yakking about blogs, clothes and commercial property!

And this photo won Laura and I a copy of 'Twitter in Ten Minutes' - thanks to Lynn @ Salt & Caramel

Next I took some time out to talk to the girls from Boden and met up with Ellie from The Mumday Times. Ellie was wearing the navy coat I've been trying to get in a size 12 from Primark. Want it even more after seeing it on her! 

Ellie from The Mumday Times & Chloe from Boden

After I checked out the Boden SS13 new range - photos to follow - I went to the green room to prepare for the panel discussion. I mentioned my co-panelists on last week's post so it was lovely to meet them in person. Erica, our chair made use feel so relaxed about the experience and once we were miked up, the session began!

In full flow with hands going! Photo courtesy of Mumsnet.

The conversation included some great discussion about getting involved with brands yet retaining integrity as a blogger. There were lots of questions around approaching brands and how to make money from fashion & beauty blogging and unfortunately not enough time. But I did chat on afterwards with a couple of bloggers who had additional questions, Sarah from All Worn Out and Thea from Journey to Style.
Earlier in the day, I'd already spotted (in my opinion) the most stylish woman at the event. I discovered at our session that it was in fact Sian Sutherland, the founder of Mama Mio skincare, sponsors of the Blog Beautiful session I was part of. I managed to have a quick chat and get a photo with her and her gold blazer but not including her pink patent brogues - I have requested a photo from her to share with you!

After the break, I had to begin my journey back home as I was flying that evening (though not before I had a quick chat with Transatlantic Mom in the cloakroom queue), so I missed the session 'Private Lives on a Public Stage' and the closing keynote speech from the amazing Caitlin Moran. But the goody bag more than made up for that as it included, amongst other items, Caitlin's latest book….and chocolate….LOTS of chocolate!

Thank you to Mumsnet Bloggers Network for a great day full of inspiration and lovely co-bloggers. I'm looking forward to 2013 already and next time, I'm staying Saturday night for the party!

Disclaimer : as a panelist, Mumsnet covered the cost of my ticket to attend the event and my transport costs to and from the event (tho not the extra I had to pay for missing my flight over!!). I was not paid any money to be on the panel, nor am I required to blog about the experience - I just wanted to. All views my own.