Clothing Lessons Learned at a Work Conference

Sounds like a boring title, huh? I was at a work conference this weekend. The Financial Blogger Conference, to be exact. On top of meeting some really great personal finance bloggers, I also learned a thing or two.

Some of my more unexpected lessons had to do with what to wear at a conference and conference events.

Layers. You can never know what the temperature will be like in the hotel, or the conference session rooms. I kept it simple by layering a cardigan over a tank with a scarf. Cold room problem solved.

Flats. I wore heels (see photo) to dinner one night, thinking I'd have time to change before we went to the dance party. (Bloggers know how to get down.) This was a false assumption, and I ended up dancing for several hours in heels. Some women can do this no problem. I'm not one of them. Ouch.

Something memorable. When it came to being recognizable, I got a little assistance with my Warby Parker glasses (lots of compliments!) and red blazer (new from Sosie.com). When you're networking and passing out business cards, it pays to be noticeable. One blogger said, "I'm going to write 'red jacket' on your card!"

Packable options. Although I was bummed that I didn't get to wear one of the three dresses that I brought (come on, I have a style blog, are you really surprised?), I was glad that they took up little room in my suitcase.

What do you wear at a work conference?

 Sosie blazer, Gap jeans, Old Navy scarf and bracelet, Banana Republic heels

Friday Goods

Yes, I'm a little behind on posting. This was from last Friday. But I'm assuming you'll forgive me.

Has anyone been in Old Navy lately? Because it is looking good! Really. The "Favorite Looks" section on OldNavy.com says it all: some really great looking pieces for late summer and fall. I can't wait to show you the pieces I snagged this weekend. (Don't worry, it was all in the budget!)

Speaking of Old Navy, yes, these photos were taken in the Market Street Old Navy fitting rooms. I'm a weird one. And you know what? Most of the outfit was Old Navy (stuff that I own and just happened to put together that day). Go figure!

ON dress, cardi & belt, Madden boots, earrings gifted (and from Sudan)

 Friday was also the day that I took my Nook for a spin in the sunshine. Look, it worked!

And then I finished "The Hunger Games, Book One" on Friday night. Aren't you proud of me for finally finishing a book?

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I thought it'd be fun to show you that sometimes I get to write really fun stuff for work, like Saturday's post I did on fashion bloggers and how frugal they can be. Check it out here. I linked lots of my favorite style bloggers and had a lot of fun bringing them all together in this post!

And then other times I get to write about more difficult subjects, like this week's post on the U.S. credit downgrade. I know it sounds boring, but it's times like those that my studious self takes over and I dive into reading and researching all about a subject that, just a little while ago, wouldn't have crossed my mind as a bloggable topic. ("Bloggable"? Sure. It's a word.)

Knot #2

I told you I would tie a knot in my shirt again. Very exciting stuff going on in the life of my shirt today.

You know how I also told you that I'm not much of a thrifter? Well, I'm still not, but I am a bargain hunter.

Today I stopped by Old Navy and the Gap and got some ridiculous deals. I was so excited I made my husband let me show him what I bought. (My mom and I always used to do that to my dad, and Dad would feign interest like it was his job. We knew he was faking it, but we still delighted in bringing out our purchases for him to see.)

Don't worry. All of the purchases will make an appearance here.

Tomorrow I'm going to my second networking opportunity for work. It's a social media event, and my new, official title is "Social Media Manager," so I'm pretty stoked. I even have business cards to hand out.

 Gap top, Banana Republic sweater, Old Navy jeans, Madden boots