EVENT ERA

Carley Ives
Mar 5
3 min read

Updated: Mar 18

I feel the most inspired when I am at an event with other passion driven people. A group experience, where everyone is engaged in the art of learning and vibing. It takes a lot to put on a good event and shout out to the people that do, we are all benefiting greatly. Lately, I have been trying to incorporate that 'third space' into my life. I used to think that term meant one specific space, that isn't home or work, you went to regularly. But recently, my third space has been changing all the time! As long as I am learning something new, count me in.

I just went back in my calendar and I have been to over 26 events this year. (Shoutout to google calendar, it has had the biggest impact in my journey of adulthood) I hosted about 6 of those.

HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS:

PLASTIC PANEL

This event was my child... and I am super proud of it. I learned a lot about marketing events and how to run them. I chose two industry professionals to speak on my panel!

Aria from @WasteNot (Compost & plastic recycling service)

Aleksandra from @Ecoship (An organization that sorts reuseable packaging and plastic)

I led a discussion and asked them questions about how to reduce plastic waste in the fashion industry and beyond.

CHARM BAR & SIP AND SHOP

We collaborated with the amazing @agirlaboutchicago and @rawson to host a meet and greet while making cutsie charms! I loved participating, chatting with local creators and selling great clothes. We cannot wait to host another one!

NATURAL DYING EVENT

Hosted at the WasteShed in Humboldt Park, my bestie Frances and I attended a natural dying event where we used buckthorn.

Buckthorn is an invasive species from Europe and Asia that makes up for 36% of all trees in Chicago! So needless to say, it's perfect to dye with. The process of shaving off the bark is time intensive but the color is so beautiful!!!!

MENDING PARTY

We decided to host our first mending event in collab with 'Hot Girls Guide Zine' creator, Adeeba! We helped people patch up their clothes, learn new skills and highlight the importance of mending. Such a great way to meet new people and create a community (the theme of this post dontcha think).

REWOVEN RUNWAY

Maybe the most inspiring event I attended was a sustainable fashion show. It spotlighted multiple designers who are transforming how fashion is made and remade. What a treat it was to be in the same room as so many people who value ethical fashion as much as me! (Maybe even more than me). Hosted at @mhub, which is an office space for innovators and creators, by @house_of_quinones <3

GAB FIELD DAY

Borderline the best day of my whole summer was my friends magazine launch @gabmagazine! For their 'Coming of Age Issue' they planned an amazing Field day. With tug of war, ice cream and hula hoops it felt just like grade school. I am so lucky to know so many amazing and talented people!

VINO DIVINO

Another great event I have attended multiple times is @vinodivino. A curated wine and art experience where the lovely Enrique educates attendees on wine styles and their pairings. In between the dishes they highlight certain physical media artists and its overall a beautiful experience.