conference wear

Sorry for the long silence, everyone - I've been attending my first ever big academic conference, including giving my first ever academic presentation! It was a whirlwind - my mind is still reeling from all the amazing people I met, the research I heard about, and so many ideas for what to do with my life after I graduate! I am completely inspired to get after my master's paper now that I've seen what other academics do with their work.

I'll be posting last week's outfits over the next few days as I recover from this conference and gear up for the next one, which starts on Thursday!

First, here's my packing list:

Button down shirts: white short-sleeved, green long-sleeved

Cardigans: long black, drapey gray, short white

Other tops: mustard and green, plus white, purple, and black camisoles for layering

Dresses: purple jersey, denim shirtdress

Skirt: black pencil

Shoes: brown boots, gray flats, black heels

Belts: wide silver, narrow brown, narrow red

Scarves: red multicolored pashmina, purple sparkley

Also packed: pajamas, running clothes and shoes, tights and socks and undies

Here are the outfits I planned:

Airplane, to and from:

Jersey dress, long cardigan, black camisole, black leggings, brown boots

Conference day 1, an all-day workshop:

Denim shirt dress, brown boots and belt, brown tights

Conference day 2, my presentation (!):

Green button-down, black pencil skirt, gray cardigan, silver belt, either gray flats or black heels and tights depending on the weather

Conference day 3:

Green top, white cardigan, black skirt, brown belt and boots

Conference day 4:

Jeans, white button-down, black cardigan, red skinny belt, gray flats

Going out to dinner in the evening:

Jeans, gray cardigan, purple camisole, gray belt, gray flats, purple scarf

Whew! I'll post more later.

Day One: One Week Wardrobe Capsule Challenge!

This week we're three: B, C, and E! Many of you are probably familiar with wardrobe capsule challenges. In a nutshell, we are allowed to pick a certain number of items and wear only those all week. It's a study in packing light! Our rules are simple: 10 major clothing items (shirts, pants, dresses, etc. and shoes), and 5 accessories. As I stood before my closet last night, I was surprised to find I wear about this many different items in a week normally (should I be worried?). Once I had all the items out on the bed, I realized it's quite a bit to choose from, and my worries about looking like a one-trick pony (or just a really badly dressed person with no access to a laundromat) quickly vanished.

I've decided to revolve all color choices around one anchor color: brown. I started out by choosing my shirts, and discovered that all the shirts I chose would look great with brown. I'm also going to try out a new mustard cardi, so I hope I can work that in a couple times.



Green sweater: Banana Republic via outlet
Turquoise tank: Express
Brown long-sleeve tee: Old Navy, swapped
Fuschia cami: Old Navy
Mustard cardigan: Banana Republic via outlet
Jeans: makeyourownjeans.com (worth every penny)
Brown capris: Old Navy
Brown Dress: J.C. Penney
Sandals: kimchi blue via Urban Outfitters
Boots: Madden Girl via Marshalls
Orange/pink/purple plaid scarf: Urban Outfitters
Green silk scarf: gifted from Bavaria!
Bracelet: Lia Sophia
Necklace: gifted
Ring: gifted, homemade

Outfit Number One: Monday

Items: Mustard Cardigan, Plaid Scarf, Jeans, Boots, and a Turquoise Tank.





I like it! It's the best outfit I've worn in weeks. First, it's actually an outfit, not just jeans and a shirt. Second, I love the bright colors on a bright day. The sweater is actually pretty light, so even though it's going to get pretty warm for a fall day here in New Hampshire, I think I'll be okay.

The biggest risk for me were the boots. I am generally of the opinion that boots-outside-pants are only for the thin, because I've got sizable (though muscular!) calves that just look bigger when encased by layers of pant and shoe. But you know? I'm kind of digging it. It wasn't easy stuffing my regular jeans into those boots, but I think it was worth it.

Self-proclaimed victory.