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Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Lifestyle and fashion bloggers from Orange County and Los Angeles gathered together for a meet up at the swanky Mesa Restaurant in Costa Mesa, CA.  It was a honor to plan and host this event for my Style Collective Sisters. The energy that night was out of this world! I invite you to read along to experience the spirit and beauty of boss babes in action at the chic Mesa lounge.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

The first key to a successful event is the venue selection.  Mesa is a hot spot in northern Orange County located in Costa Mesa, California.  This amazing restaurant has an edgy vibe, diverse crowd, and very desirable food. The ambiance is eclectic, contemporary, and energetic due to a vibrant bar scene and a roof top that opens to the sky.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

The ambiance of Mesa is both cool and swanky and perfect for parties, meetings, special occasions, and dates. Reservations are made easy though Open Table. For our meet up Mesa provided a complimentary cocktail, a small dessert and the following small plates:

Spring Pea Salad/Pea Tendrils, Pea Shoots, Compressed Watermelon, Kalamata Olives, and Red Wine Vinaigrette, our Sundried and Tomato Hummus and our Margherita Pizza/Tomato, Herb, Mozzarella, Basil, XXVO and Sweet Balsamic Glaze. Yum in the tum!

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

The lusty menu features delectable small plates from contemporary American cuisine. My favorite is their Grilled Marinated Shrimp that showcases sweet and spicy bilbao chorizo, corn, heirloom tomatoes, and chimmichurri sauce. Just talking about it now is making me crave this dish in a very bad way!  It is a foodie dream come true to experience the creative, fresh, and pleasurable food from Mesa.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Along with their inspired cuisine and mouth-watering tapas, Happy Hour is an “experience” to experience! The lively bar has abundant seating perfect for people watching while enjoying a creative handcrafted cocktail.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Make this hot spot in Costa Mesa, CA a part of your restaurant bucket list for great food and ambiance. Mesa is an excellent venue choice to host your next dinner party, work party or business meet up.  You will not be disappointed!

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Another aspect in having a successful meet up (or any momentous event for that matter!) is professional photography. It is vital in my opinion to make the investment — memories may fade but photos last a lifetime! I am a complete believer of having professional photography to capture life’s dearest events.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

As a fashion blogger — my photography quality is vital to the success of my brand! Think of pictures as your calling card and having the right photographer to capture who YOU ARE should not be left to experimentation.

As you all know you only get one chance to make a great first impression. Shawna Henrie of Bleudogfotography preserved every moment of the Style Collective Meet Up superbly.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Shawna was so gracious to donate her time and service to capture the evening’s event gratis. She is an expert at making photo shoots fun and a great experience for all of her clients. One of her many talents is having an eye for creative angles and passion for studying the human face.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

It is easily evident that she pours her soul into her work and craft.  Her clients become her friends and she made many that night.  Another plus, is that she offered free head shots to the Style Collective members attending and the women were so excited for this gift!

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Another talent that Shawna has is creating the most beautiful and awe-inspiring floral arrangements. Her business is cleverly called Bleudogfloral. Her herbaceous creations has graced the parties and special events of many families and businesses throughout Orange County, San Diego, and Los Angeles counties.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Each dining table showcased Bleudogfloral botanical creations she specifically designed  for the meet up. Beautiful blooms shining bright in round glass globes got the ohhs and ahhs of all the ladies! Shawna was gracious enough to donate her centerpieces to Mesa Lounge for a charity event to be held the next day and most ladies got to take one home to adore.

Another fantastic item that was displayed next to the beautiful floral centerpieces is wine from Middle Sister Wine. Each sister went home with their own bottle to enjoy.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Don’t forget the importance of a swag bag! Providing companies with an opportunity of marketing their goods at event full of social media gurus is HOT!  Offering gift bags featuring the latest in greatest in beauty, food, fashion, and technology to media savvy women is a recipe for success for both the sponsor and recipient.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

It is amazing what happens when you combine the efforts of ambitious and passionate women. When I asked my Style Collective Sisters if they would help to secure sponsors – boy, did they! We had over 25 sponsors who supported our event. Another company that has been a Style Collective favorite is Guilty Soles who donated two gorgeous pairs of shoes for a giveaway.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

I would like to thank those special ladies (Kathleen AndersonAlison Barker, Jessica Forest, Maria GuerreroNancy Lin LeGregori, Claudia MaterdominiMindy Nguyen, and Shelby Soileau) that worked hard to find sponsors who supported our event.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

It was completely humbling to have so many wonderful companies honor us! I would like to share with you the list of businesses who graciously recognized our efforts as social media influencers with their generous gifts. Please, take the time to visit their websites and consider their services or products for your own personal or gift giving needs! Thank you to ALL of the sponsors who donated to our Style Collective Spring Meet Up!

Our Style Collective Spring Meet Up Sponsors for OC + LA April 2017:

Mesa Restaurant Tawny Aragundi www.mesacostamesa.com
Bleudog Fotography Photography Shawna Henrie www.bleudogfotography.com
Bleudog Floral Floral Shawna Henrie www.bleudogfloral.com
Amazing Lash Lash Studio Elena Nguyen www.amazinglashstudio.com
Jade J Cell Phone Accessories Jason Jen www.jadej.com
The Songbird Collection Jewelry Mindy Nguyen www.thesongbirdcollection.com
Middle Sister Wines Wine Susan Lombardi www.middlesisterwines.com
Guilty Soles Shoes Chelsea Schaffer www.guiltysoles.com
Spa Gregories Spa Spa Gregories www.spagregories.com
S.S. Chokers Jewelry Shelby Soileau www.sunshinedaydreamblog.net/sschokers
Rodan + Fields Skin Care Reah-Ann Nobleza www.reahann.myrandf.biz
Alaska Bear Beauty Natural Silk Pillow Case www.amazon.com 
Arlina Jo Jewelry Frances Akbari www.arlinajo.com
Benev Skin Care Benev http://benev.com/
Oh So Cali Clothing Clothing Annie Chang www.ohsocaliclothing.storenvy.com
Shea Moisture Hair Care Shea Moisture www.sheamoisture.com
Nubian Heritage Body & Skin Care Nubian Heritage www.nubianheritage.com
Borika Body & Skin Care Borika https://borikabody.com/
Leven Rose Body & Skin Care Courtney Olson www.levenrose.com
LavHa Essential Oils Jewelry Jessica Forest & Nancy Lin DeGregori www.lavha.com
Travertine Body & Skin Care Terry Carter www.travertinespa.com
Pure Body & Bath Kathleen Anderson www.katanderson.net
Bella Sol Med Spa Med Spa Bella Sol www.bellasolmedspaca.com
Fresh Brothers Restaurant Fresh Brothers www.freshbrothers.com
Halo Top Ice Cream Halo Top www.halotop.com

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Lastly, another aspect in having a successful event is having a tribe that supports you! When Annie Spano the founder of Style Collective selected me to spearhead this event I was flabbergasted.  I was honored but also quite overwhelmed at the prospect of organizing such an experience.  My life is already so full of responsibilities and commitments.  To be quite honest, I operate from crisis to crisis!

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

However, I rose to the occasion because Annie has supported me from day one!  This was my way of thanking her in believing in me.  It was a goal of mine to create an evening that would be engaging, warm, and supportive for my Style Collective sisters!  Plus, now I can say I am an event planner too!

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Blogging can be a lonely business and this is why I felt driven to design an experience that would build friendships and a supportive network. I am so grateful to Mesa Restaurant and Bleudogfotography in joining me on this mission to create an event that would change lives of female entrepreneurs.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

There are so many reasons why it is important to find your tribe. Being a part of a community that respects and understands your struggles and shares your accomplishments without envy is a vital step in doing what you love! There is an amazing power in female friendships! As a Style Collective Sister I am a part of a community that supports big ideas, dreaming big, and accomplished big goals!

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

If you are a new lifestyle and fashion blogger or a seasoned one I invite you to join the Style Collective Sisterhood. It has changed my life and I know it will do the same for you. Click here to learn more. For only $10 a month you will connect deeply with like-minded professionals and have access to tools, guides, and support to be a successful blogger.

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

I would like to introduce to you my friends who came out to support this event and me. These ladies amaze me with their creativity, passion, and heart. Make sure to check them out for style and lifestyle inspiration! If you are a business reading this these beauties are a perfect choice for your social media promotion projects.  These gals are the real deal!

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Style Collective Spring Meet Up Attendees List:

To Thine Own Style Be True Blogger Debbie Savage www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
Threads N Breads Blogger Mindy Nguyen www.threadsnbreads.com
This Is How We Wear It Blogger Maria Guerrero www.thisishowwewearit.com
Boy Cherie Blogger Caitlin Reyna www.boycherie.com
Amber Nicole Fashion Blogger Amber Henahan www.ambernicolefashion.com
Between You and Me Blog Blogger Marshel Ng www.betweenunmeblog.com
Besos Alina Blogger Alina Orozco www.besosalina.com
I Like To Talk A Lot Blog Blogger Claudia Materdomini www.iliketotalkalot.com
Adrina Rose Blogger Adrina Rose www.adrinarosemedia.com
Beauty and Colour Blogger Caitlin Rabyniuk www.beautyandcolour.com
Fall Over Fashion Blogger Amira Omar www.falloverfashion.com
Stylish Paradox Blogger Julie Harbour www.stylishparadox.com
Simple Chic Blogger Armita Tabassi Coming Soon
Marblelously Petite Blogger Abby Chhabra www.marblelouslypetite.com
Moda Mob Blogger Nora Mansour https://m.youtube.com/user/modamob
Moda Mob Blogger Ani Esmailian https://m.youtube.com/user/modamob
Kathleen Anderson Blogger Kathleen Anderson www.katanderson.net
Brocade Closet Blogger Melissa Mazariegos www.brocadecloset.com
Aroma of Felicity Blogger Amaya Williams www.aromaoffelicity.com
This Is Kris Joy Blogger Karissa Allen www.thisiskrisjoy.com
Lauren Yes Lauren Blogger Lauren Mesquit www.laurenyeslauren.com
Laugh Love and Hippie Blogger Kristina Coelho www.laughloveandhippie.com
bo.do.ke Blogger Diana Menghini www.lovebodoke.com
LavHa Jewelry Designers Jessica Forest + Nancy Lin DeGregori www.lavha.com
Truth N Health Blogger Nancy Lin DeGregori www.truthnhealth.com

Tips for Planning a Successful Event | Style Collective Spring Meet Up at Mesa Restaurant

Shop This Look

Dress: c/o Shein

Bodysuit: Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: c/o The Songbird Collection

Purse: c/o Cocovann

Shoes: c/o Guilty Soles

Lipstick: Smashbox

In Partnership with Mesa Restaurant  |  Photography by Bleudogfotography

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39 Comments

  1. Melissa Thomson
    April 29, 2017 / 10:18 pm

    Amazing event and photography. Congrats to all.

    • April 29, 2017 / 10:38 pm

      Hi Melissa! Thank you so much!!! xoxo

  2. April 29, 2017 / 10:21 pm

    This event looks like it was so much FUN! I hope there’ll be east coast events like this, because I’d love love love to be a part of it.

    x Kate
    http://www.thegoldsister.com

    • April 29, 2017 / 10:39 pm

      Hi Kate! Thank you so much!!! Let Annie know you would love to plan one and I know she would love!

      • April 30, 2017 / 3:49 pm

        Hi Laura! I would of loved to have you there!!!

  3. April 30, 2017 / 3:43 am

    Aww! I love seeing so many Style Collective girls in one place!! You all look gorgeous 🙂 And congratulations for putting together such an amazing event!

    Chanté | http://www.chante-louise.com

    • April 30, 2017 / 5:13 pm

      Thank you so much Chante!!! This comment is so sweet!

  4. April 30, 2017 / 7:16 am

    Such a great event. I am so bummed that I missed it. Congratulations on the success of tjis event. Xoxo

    • April 30, 2017 / 5:13 pm

      Thank you so much JJ!!! It means so much for you to say this!

  5. April 30, 2017 / 7:22 am

    It sounds like such and amazing event with so many details to appreciate! I am so proud of you for putting this together for your style collective sisters. That restaurant sounds amazing and the photos to capture the night are such a must and really share the energy of the event. I just wish I lived closer to have been able to experience the night as well. So proud of you babe! Great work!

    • April 30, 2017 / 5:12 pm

      Thank you so much Jen! I would of loved you there!!! Love ya so much!

  6. Maria
    April 30, 2017 / 8:18 am

    Debbie thank you for all your hard work. It was an amazing time. I was so grateful to be a part of this special sisterhood time. The venue was amazing, the gifts were out of this world, the excitement of meeting sisters, and the list goes on!! Everything was to perfection. This was a night to remember. Thank you for this memorable night!!

    • April 30, 2017 / 5:12 pm

      Hi Maria! Thank you so much for your support! It was so wonderful to have you by my side. Meeting you was a dream come true!

  7. Amanda
    April 30, 2017 / 1:12 pm

    What a fantastic evening!! You did a phenomenal job!! Wish I could’ve been there! How wonderful that women can support and teach each other in such elegance! Keep up the amazing work, I love reading your blog!

    • April 30, 2017 / 4:31 pm

      Hi Amanda! Thank you so much! I wish you were there to party! I love and miss you!!! xo

  8. April 30, 2017 / 3:49 pm

    Hi Debbie. I am really proud to call you SC sister. I recently join the group and i am so thrilled reading your post. It is so motivating to see empowered and passionate woman. Congratulations on the success of this event. I can only wish i was there. Look sooo fun!!!

  9. Ana Prodanovic
    April 30, 2017 / 6:06 pm

    So cool that you all met up! Looks like an awesome time. xx

    anaprodanovich.com

  10. April 30, 2017 / 7:26 pm

    Wow! I am so impressed with this Style Collective event you put together! You did a fantastic job girl and I wish I was closer to attend to this event! It looks like a wonderful time❤️

  11. May 1, 2017 / 5:47 am

    Such a fun event! I love the photos!

    Emily
    withstyleandgrace.net

  12. May 1, 2017 / 6:59 am

    Looks like a fun and fabulous event! Well done 😀

  13. May 2, 2017 / 1:34 pm

    Such an amazing event! Thank you so much for putting it together 🙂

  14. Nicole
    May 2, 2017 / 4:52 pm

    Oh my gosh Debbie–It sounds like you did such an amazing job! The venue looked wonderful! I only wish I could have been there to be a part of this great experience!

  15. Liz
    May 2, 2017 / 10:25 pm

    Debbie, you have completely outdone yourself! This event is absolutely beautiful and it looks like you all had to much fun. I wish I could have been there. I know how hard you worked on this and it shows. I also know how everyone appreciates the time you took to put this together. Gorgeous all around! Xo

    Liz
    http://Www.lizzieinlace.com

  16. May 3, 2017 / 9:12 am

    I had such a great time! Thank you for inviting me Debbie. It was so great to meet you. I can’t wait for the next meet up.

  17. Pentené
    May 3, 2017 / 6:10 pm

    So sad I missed it, but life had other plans that day. You did an amazing job spearheading this event love! You should be proud. Everything and everyone looked lovely.

    Xoxo
    http://www.stylemefancy.com

  18. May 4, 2017 / 4:27 am

    Debbie, it looks like you had an amazing time! I love Style Collective 🙂 We are having our meeting here in DC next week and I am so exited!

  19. May 4, 2017 / 5:49 pm

    Debbie, This is incredible. The amount of time and effort that went into this is so evident. I only wish I could’ve attended to support you!

    Way to kill it!!

    xo, Aubrey | thedandyliar.com

  20. May 4, 2017 / 10:58 pm

    you did SUCH a great job planning! i had the best time with all my sisters

  21. Marshel - Between YouNMe
    May 5, 2017 / 9:41 am

    Debbie! So happy you shared your tips and your talents with us! You are like an event planner extrondonaire. The event was so flawless and perfectly planned, you made it look easy! Thank you thank you for all your hard work, the event was wonderful! You’re the best Debbie!

    xxoo

  22. thisiskrisjoy
    May 6, 2017 / 4:30 pm

    i’m still on a high from this event! you did such an amazing job planning debbie, thanks for all your hard work!

    • May 8, 2017 / 1:30 pm

      Thank you so much! I am so happy you were there to celebrate and support!

  23. ARMITA TABASSI
    May 17, 2017 / 5:18 pm

    It was such a beautiful event! You did an amazing job!! xxo

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