Chicago influencers + tastemakers

One thing I love about the Chicago scene is the sheer amount of female entrepreneurs and new brands this city has cultivated in the last four years. It makes me proud to know so many talented women who've turn their dreams and entrepreneurial spirit into reality. These woman are young and talented as well as moms, wives, bloggers and fashionistas. 

It's hard not to be inspired when you're in the presence of some of our city's top influencers and tastemakers. And sure, having the guest of honor be none other than the uber chic and beautiful, Damsel in Dior, doesn't hurt either when you're spending your Sunday brunch with 44 other women. 

Indeed, this was a brunch date I was unwilling to miss. It's a rare opportunity to be able to pick the brain of one of the fashion industry's most popular bloggers to date.

In the spirit of full transparency, the brunch sponsors are some of my dearest friends - I rarely miss an opportunity to support them: Mia Bossi, t+j Designs, Monika Dixon PR & Fashionaholic.

The attention to detail was spot on. Scrumptious eats and savory treats. Bottomless mimosas (a blogger staple). Glam guest gifts and DIY Flash Tattoos

Our hostess with the mostest flanked by some of Chicago's most stylish bloggers and the Jacey Duprie under one roof!

So many closets to covet and the steady sound of friendly banter, belly laughs and stilettos click-clacking their way through the crowd. This is the type of environment that inspires me to write better, take better photos, network harder and birth some of my own ideas into reality.

2014 has certainly been a year of tremendous learning and growth for me. I am excited to see the rest unfold!

* all photography by the talented Tres Awesome.

* Check out today's link ups: Style Elixir, DC in Style, Fizz & Frosting, The Fashion Canvas, I Do deClaire