A chance to go down to LA and mingle with makers and movers and shakers at the Bossladies Brand Showcase at Lunya in Santa Monica? Count us in!

Picture this: three ladies in a van, Tricia driving, Rachel and Lili offering constant advice on road conditions, two huge antique wicker laundry hampers full of our linens, a full length mirror, a clothes rail, driftwood bench, props, bundles of lavender (sweet ride!), and our various suitcases. Let's just say that some of us under-pack, and some... don't. We get to our Airbnb and it has a pool! We're in LA.

So, we set up our stall in the swish Lunya showrooms, and tempt ourselves stalking the racks of delicious silk sleepwear when we should be arranging our business cards. We all mingle and chat before the customers come in - I succumb to temptation and buy a Parker Clay Omo Overnight Bag in gorgeous leather - it smells heavenly and will accompany me every day to yoga (so much better than my uninspired shopping tote).  Lili buys jumpsuits, Rachel, a top. Ah, temptation!

The event was a shopping and leaning hybrid featuring about 25 like-minded, women owned companies - each with a dedicated space to display their goods in a friendly, social environment. It was open to the public for shopping, and featured interviews of a handful of industry tastemakers - from cutting edge female-specific products (underwear for your period!) to artsy photographers. and I think I enjoyed the talks most. Chelsea sat down first with three young women to talk about start-ups, women-based companies, ethical issues and the practicalities of integrating life and business. My favorite talk was from Jessica Comingore of Marbury, such a gentle young woman talking about branding and all the issues around it.

Thank you Chelsea for inviting us down, giving us plenty to think about, and plying us with such delicious treats throughout the day. Thank you Lunya for the space - you have the most stylish bathrooms! And thank you  Rachel and Lili for making the trip so much fun - we sang, we practiced our Spanish, and gave Thelma and Louise a run for their money.