For the first time ever, I’m attending the mega-viral BlogHer blogging conference! This year’s event, #BlogHer17, will be held in Orlando, Florida, in merely a few days and I am incredibly excited.
I’m sure in some lines of work conferences mean suits and pumps, but when you represent a fashion blog your introductory look is a little different. To get ready for this massive event (and first ‘work’ trip on behalf of my site!) I headed to my favorite place in STL to score a discount: St. Louis Premium Outlets.
I’ve been shopping at this retail center for years, and was thrilled to find out it is in the Simon Malls umbrella of retail experiences. (Shopping centers by Simon can be found all over the country. My first two jobs back home were both at a Simon mall!) Historically, I’ve found some amazing deals at St. Louis Premium Outlets – like this designer bag or this designer frock or this bridesmaid dress – so I went in expecting the same level of sale. Spoiler: I wasn’t disappointed.
To creative brand expos and workshops, I typically pair a cute blouse or dress with something denim and a light jacket for the ideal combo of cool, casual, and collected. Since #BlogHer17 is in Orlando, I wanted to find a dress that was lightweight enough to wear outside but the right silhouette to pair with a denim jacket. Bonus points if it could transition easily from day to night. And, as anyone who has attended an event like this knows, people at all-day conferences need the perfect work bag. The handles are tearing out of my current option, so I was also on the lookout for a colorful purse large enough to fit my laptop.
After a fun afternoon of shopping St. Louis Premium Outlets with my VIP Shopper Club Coupons (seriously, you need to sign up if you go… who doesn’t want free discounts?!) I found my perfect items. Check them out below.
Currently wearing… Free People dress c/o St. Louis Premium Outlets | Kate Spade bag c/o St. Louis Premium Outlets | Shoes c/o Express | Hat c/o Brooklyn Hat Co. | Bralette, Target | Scarf, Madewell
The first item I found was the fantastic frock. This Free People dress was on sale at Off Fifth for about $40, marked down from nearly $90. I love the peek-a-boo back for casual outings and evening, and am even happier to know it pairs perfectly with a cropped jacket for more dressed-up situations.
After testing out nearly every bag in St. Louis Premium Outlets, I finally spotted this lone Kate Spade beauty tucked behind others in a neutral hue under a table midst a massive sale. This leather handbag was marked down from almost $430 to about $130 and features two large zippered compartments on the sides with a semi-open center and an optional cross-body strap. Also it is clearly a killer color. This tote is the perfect combo of handbag and laptop bag, and I am in l-o-v-e!
Inspired to go shopping now? Well lucky you, Simon Malls is giving one reader a $50 gift card! Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below, and be sure to share what you #FoundAtSimon on Instagram.
Expect to see more of this amazing outfit from my #BlogHer17 social media posts later this week!
Thank you for supporting the businesses that help make Oh, Julia Ann possible. This post was sponsored by Simon Malls and is not affiliated with #BlogHer17, but all opinions are entirely my own.
Summer Clothes!!
I think that I would like to buy a blouse or two.
I would put it towards a V-neck t-shirt from Banana Republic.
I would buy a couple pairs of shorts with the Simon gift card if I won.
I would go in and get the kids some clothes!
I would love to get myself some new shoes!
I need some new tops for summer.
I would buy new myself new jeans!
I would use it for school clothes. I have 2 teenage daughters so it gets really expensive. Thank you!
I’d look for some cute new shoes.
I need a sunhat and some new shoes to.
I would get new bed linens. Much needed!
sunscreen from Sephora