Last week, we attended the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit on behalf of Herradura, my new favorite tequila (I’m not just saying that because they invited me. It’s delicious!). From panel discussions on leadership to interviews with the founders of Reformation and Museum of Ice Cream, we gathered countless nuggets of wisdom from people who’ve not only “been there, done that” but are disrupting their industries. 

While The Style Bungalow only covers fashion, travel (and now!) interiors as a blog at the moment, I do have big plans for the future. More than ever, I want so badly to evolve into something more than a blog. This has been my dream since Day 1. Unsure of what that entirely looks like (I have a few ideas), I believe in putting systems in place now before scaling to ensure smooth sailing into the next phase of TSB.  

I started my blog at 26 years old while working in public relations. It was my first job post-ballet career. During that time, I remember struggling to find joy in my day-to-day so I started a blog as a creative outlet. From there, I freelanced until I was able to blog full-time…and the rest was history (you can read more about my background here)! Needless to say, I haven’t had too many examples of “bosses.” Sure, I’ve had a few, but not many with enough experience to run a company. It’s one thing to be a leader in your class project. It’s quite another when you’re building a brand from scratch. Running a business, the way I do at least, can be grueling and taxing at times. It’s also incredibly rewarding and one of the few accomplishments in my life thus far that has given me confidence to march into unchartered territory without fear (ok, maybe a little fear, but you get the gist). And recently hearing stories of founders who are only 23…24 years old…was eye-opening and refreshing because I realized almost 99% had mentors along the way. Personally for me, a mentor is someone who has successfully parlayed their social influence into something greater like a clothing brand, lifestyle brand, product, etc. To be honest, I have discovered a few people in my industry who have done that nor have they expressed any interest in sharing insight, advice and/or mentoring me. So where do I start? Who do I reach out to? 

After having the type of experience I had at the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit (memorable, inspiring and challenging) I realized I truly need one. If you can think of someone who you think would be a good mentor for me, please leave a comment below! I’m open to your suggestions, but prefer someone who understands my industry, possibly better than I do, as a mentor. Open to your thoughts!  

Throughout the weekend, I was flooded with requests to share the details of my fall-inspired looks with you all! So for this month’s “Restyled Series,” a series where I shop my closet once a month re-featuring items I own and love (like this Brahmin), I decided to restyle a few looks from Detroit in hopes of appealing to both my friends up North (who will adore this coat from Club Monaco) to down South (who will love these Simon Miller sandals). Scroll down for more and enjoy! 

Blazer: Theory, (sold out) – affordable version here, splurge here Blouse: (c/o) 7 For All Mankind Shorts, Boots: (c/o) Sezane Sandals: Simon Miller Earrings: Shashi Bag: Brahmin

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Beige Blazer: (c/o) J.ING Pants: (c/o) J.ING Blouse: (c/o) Sezane Belt: Lizzie Fortunato Headband: Jennifer Behr 

Bag: (c/o) Brahmin 

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Blazer: Regina Pyo, moderately priced version here Blouse: (c/o) Sezane Pants: (c/o) Sezane Bag: Hunting Season 

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Blazer: Rebecca Taylor (sold out) similar options below Pants: Rebecca Taylor (sold out) similar options below Blouse: Sezane, similar option here Sandals: Jimmy Choo, similar options below EARRINGS: Oscar de la Renta, similar options below 

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Coat: Club Monaco (worth every penny!) Dress: (c/o) Sezane Pants: (c/o) Sezane 

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Xo, Stephanie