StyleCon 2016 is upon us, and I couldn't be more excited. A one-day convention that unites fashion designers, stylists, bloggers, entrepreneurs and fashionistas of all ages and stripes at the Hangar, where distinguished celebrities and It Girls such as The Bachelor contestant Sarah Herron, industry leader Twila True, blogger Marta Pozzan and E! News personality Melanie Bromley will share with aspiring Anna Wintours their knowledge and insight on how to advance their careers in the ever-evolving fashion world.
But even if you're not familiar with the who's-who of industry leaders, Instagrammers and bloggers headlining Saturday's event, StyleCon promises to be as interactive as possible for all attendees, with informative panels, presentations, free product demos and the chance to consult with brand experts about specific products. A pop-up shop for trendy clothing stores will allow ladies to peruse the new looks for winter, while makeup artists and stylists offer complimentary hair, makeup and nail service. There's an escape room sponsored by the NFL Juniors division in which to play puzzles, as well as an organic snack bar.
All that should sound like heaven on Earth to any fashion-forward individual, but the real mission behind StyleCon is stressing how fashion is a conduit for self-confidence and empowerment. Nonprofit organizations such as SheLift and Omics Live! offer mentorship and internship programs, while fashion blogger Heidi Nazarudin will deliver a keynote speech on how she became a successful, self-made businesswoman—and how you can, too.
And you'll get to take home a sweet tote bag filled with sample-sized beauty products. Ladies, gents and genderfuckers, come through!
StyleCon 16 at the Hangar at the OC Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa; www.stylecon.com. Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $39-$149.
Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.