express white off the shoulder fit and flare maxi dress
Another Monday, another post about the 2018 RewardStyle Conference. We’ve finally made it to Day Two where I got to actually take part in the festivities! If you haven’t read my Meet & Greet post or checked out my Striped Romper from last week, it’ll help this post to make more sense (in addition to my travel troubles and why I missed Day One altogether). Fortunately, Day Two well made up for the flight issues, detours, and hunting down my luggage! I woke up super early to shoot the looks from my last two #rsthecon (the hashtag we used at the conference) posts and then switched into this shoulder showing stunner I brought for Day Two’s keynote speeches, one on one brand meetings, and chit chatting with additional companies in attendance. Oh, and meeting so many new friends!
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express white off the shoulder fit and flare maxi dress
express white off the shoulder fit and flare maxi dress
express white off the shoulder fit and flare maxi dress
express white off the shoulder fit and flare maxi dress
express circle tassel drop earrings
express white off the shoulder fit and flare maxi dress
clare v. alice petite bag
express white off the shoulder fit and flare maxi dress
express white off the shoulder fit and flare maxi dress
WHITE OFF THE SHOULDER DRESS: Express | LIGHT WASH JEAN JACKET: Kut From The Kloth BLUSH ESPADRILLE WEDGES: Marc Fisher STRAW BAG: Clare V. TORTOISE SUNGLASSES: Karen Walker | BLUSH EARRINGS: Express
PHOTOGRAPHY: Banavenue Photography
The 2018 RewardStyle Conference may only be three days, but it was jam-packed with content, learning, and amazing events. I was incredibly humbled by both the experience and the chance to attend – the opportunity was so valuable and the first time I’d ever been immersed in an influencer-centric atmosphere surrounded by other bloggers and content creators. Including so many fabulous women I’ve followed even before I started Pardon Muah – I was so in awe seeing my blogging idols in person. The experience definitely did not disappoint!
As you can imagine, it can be quite overwhelming to travel alone to a conference full of the most impressive and might I say beautiful influencers I’ve ever seen. So much talent, brain power, and creativity in one place for three days. I knew going into it that it would be a lot to take in so I found myself feeling more comfortable than I’d imagined. And I was surprised how many chances I took to introduce myself and make new friends – everyone was really open to chatting and taking a moment to say hello, even though we were all going a million miles a minute. 

After attending the conference, and hearing some gals mention they felt intimidated by the experience or apprehensive to approach their peers for fear of judgment or a lack of conversation, I thought it would be a good time to talk about a subject I’ve been meaning to touch on for quite some time – comparison. I even wrote my thoughts out on paper several weeks ago but didn’t know when I wanted to post them. So after reflecting on my three days in Dallas and what I did to feel confident in my own skin, I decided I wanted to share (plus, it is Motivation Monday!). 

To no one’s surprise, I’m sure, being an influencer can bring to light a lot of personal insecurities. Critiquing your photos and constantly picking apart what you like and what you don’t. You start to notice a lot of things you never did before. Some good and some annoying (i.e. my nose is crooked when I smile lol… not a big deal but it’s something that personally drives me crazy). Also, putting yourself in the social media spotlight and exposing yourself to judgment is always sort of a gamble. Always wondering how your content and what you say will be perceived. Will people like me? My style? My makeup? My aesthetic? Will people get offended if I speak my mind? 

I look at the trends in social media and some of the “hate” that goes around and feel entirely fortunate to have such amazing, positive, nonjudgmental followers and readers. Being unkind has never been cool and there are a lot of people out there who need some self-love who find it easy to tear down others from behind a screen. And we are all human, and words hurt, even if we know they aren’t true. I say all of this because even in a group of like-minded women who live in the world of influencer, insecurities can creep in… maybe even more so in a group of people who have trained themselves to notice the smallest of details. 

So how do I combat feelings of angst, worry, and insecurity? Whether it’s with my friends, followers, or peers? Honestly, I stay true to myself. My default has always been to be everyone’s friend. If my smile and open demeanor aren’t met with positive reception, then that’s okay – I move on to the next one! And there’s nothing wrong with “faking it til you make it.” I was talking with someone recently about my anxiety and how I’m able to put myself in situations like the conference, social media, and speaking in public… Confidence is key! I may be dying of nerves inside, and I am many times, but I challenge myself to keep a confident, positive, happy exterior. And as others start to believe it, so do I. Seriously, I encourage you to give it a try! 

Over the last several years, I’ve also had to work at learning my own self-worth. It can be so much easier said than done sometimes but never forget you’re one of a kind. And try to remember that when you’re feeling self-conscious or worried about judgment from others. So many times judgment comes out of fear. But as women, and as influencers, it’s our job to support and uplift each other to be our best selves. Just because we help each other shine brighter doesn’t mean it dulls our own light. 


At #rsthecon I kept reminding myself that I was there for a reason. And at the end of the day, I want people to like me for me. Kindness goes such a long way. AND you never know who may seem intimidating but is actually intimidated by YOU. Sometimes when we feel introverted it translates as standoffish or “snobbish” (I used to get this in school because I was quiet), and those are the people who need a “Hi!” and a “Hello!” the most. Or the way I like to easily start a conversation – a compliment! Trust me, everyone loves a good compliment, and you’ll actually feel better too.

At the end of the day, my goal is to always be inclusive, a friend, humble, hard-working, creatively me, and to never take an opportunity for granted. It’s so easy to place ourselves under a microscope when our world starts to revolve around “likes” and possessions, or to wish we had what others have. But I encourage each of you, whether reader or influencer:

Let the success of others motivate you to be your best self and propel you to achieve the greatest of your goals. #caredontcompare

On Wednesday, I’ll be back with another outfit from the conference and more about the components of education, brand meetings, and events. 

I hope all of you have an incredible Monday! 

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XO Amanda