making friends as a 20-something: how to take friendships from online to IRL

Yesterday I had a lovely afternoon in Brooklyn with Diane, a fellow blogger (@snapshotfashion). We brunched at Allswell on Bedford Avenue and then wandered through Williamsburg and took a few photos together. Diane and I initially met via Instagram, and then she reached out to me a few weeks ago about meeting up in person. I'm so glad we did because after chatting all afternoon we discovered we had a lot in common, even aside from blogging!

Making friends in your twenties isn't always the simplest thing. Social media has made it easier to meet more people with similar interests as you because it provides us with the ability to connect with those we may not of otherwise crossed paths with in real life. Although, we have access to a larger pool of potential friends through social media, it can be intimidating to ask someone to meet up outside of cyberspace. So, I decided to come up with a few ideas for meet ups you can organize for like minded girls (or guys) like yourself, if you are looking to take your social media friendships from your phone screen to real life.

Brunch + Photoshoot: 
If you are also a blogger (or just want to take some cool photos, because let's be real, who doesn't want a new profile picture for all of those social media accounts?) take a cue from Diane and I. Grabbing brunch before taking photos is perfect because it gives you a chance to chat a bit and get to know one another before jumping in and taking photos together. Plus, it's a great excuse to try out a new brunch spot!

Clothing Swap:
You know those items in your closet that technically don't have anything wrong with them, but you're just sick of wearing? Gather them up and organize a clothing swap with other girls who live in your area and also have a similar style to you. You'll satisfy your shopping itch, without spending any money, and meet some cool new people so it's a win-win-win. (Bonus idea: if you are a fashion designer/sewer/DIYer like me, you could also organize a fabric swap instead. If you're like me, you definitely have some extra yardage of fabric laying around that you'll most likely never use again.)

Attend a Store x Blogger Event:
Almost every week I see bloggers posting about events they are hosting at various stores or spaces around NYC. I love attending things like this, because it's a great way to meet other people with similar interests as you, but sometimes it can be nerve wracking showing up alone. Asking a few of your social media friends to go with you is perfect because it's very likely they are equally as interested in attending this event and you don't have to worry about showing up and not knowing anyone there.

Hopefully these ideas inspire you to start connecting with people in other ways besides through a phone screen. Do you have any other suggestions of cool ways to make new friends as a twenty-something? 
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Top: Mint Market; Skirt: Urban Outfitters: Tights: H&M; Shoes: Bus Stop Boutique; Purse: Nordstrom; Scarf: Fred and Lulu
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn