I’m supposed to go shopping today for the RWA conference along with some chaptermates. I find conference very intimidating. First of all, I have to shop for it. That means I don’t have closets full of fabulous outfits to choose from and that makes me feel like I’m already behind the 8 ball.
It’s really daunting to be surrounded by savvy, stylish, beautiful women. And I don’t care what people say about “just be comfortable”. This is a professional, social setting. You wouldn’t go to an interview dressed inappropriately. Plus since I’m up for an award so I have to get a killer dress. It’s like the Academy Awards for romance. People have been talking about their dresses for months! *gulp*
My sense of style can pretty much be summed up in one sentence — “Black goes with everything?” Yes, the question mark is included deliberately.
Is it bad that I’m resorting to Tim Gunn’s 10 Essentials for my shopping list? Here’s what I’m looking for today:
- Basic Black Dress – Need a new one. I wore all my LBDs at last year’s conference.
- Trench Coat – Going to pass. This is a summertime event.
- Dress Pants – Check! Although the ones I have are a little snug.
- Classic Shirt – Need a tailored white shirt
- Jeans – Need to get some in time to have them altered for my short legs
- Any Occasion Top – Something fun. MUST HAVE COLOR.
- Skirt – Check! One of the few things I have covered.
- Day Dress – Check! I’ve got several fun ones.
- Jacket – Need a nice tailored one, preferably not black, with pockets.
- Sweatsuit Alternative – Check! Casual skirt and top for me.
And finally something snazzy that might potentially go on stage…ACK!…fingers crossed.
May 21, 2009 @ 09:26:57
Oh, I love Tim Gunn’s checklist! You can’t go wrong if you’ve got all of his style essentials!
May 21, 2009 @ 09:48:03
Looking at that list, I realize I really need to go shopping. I don’t have a black dress or a jacket; my jeans are all terribly worn in and my classic shirts are definitely a little snug in the um, chest area 😛
I think it’s time for a shopping trip 🙂
May 21, 2009 @ 10:10:54
I am going to just pull things from my closet this year. Tim Gunn would be outraged but I think I have enough fashion sense to be able to mix and match.
I’m going to try to look fabulous in cute tops, jeans, and high heels 🙂 Now, for social events I’ll wear cute little dresses but otherwise, I’m going simple this year instead of hauling all the stuff like previous years. I still can’t believe I’m going. I’ll definitely mingle more with my girl friends to make up for the low profile interaction in San Fran. Can’t wait to see you again to give you a big hug!
May 26, 2009 @ 12:32:20
How did the shopping go? Sorry I couldn’t join ya’ll. Strep sucks. I did a little virtual shopping that afternoon, though…
BTW, I think the advice to “just be comfortable” doesn’t equate to “show up in your pj’s”. It means that you shouldn’t choose an outfit that is stylish but makes you feel like you’re wearing a costume. The clothes need to be nice looking and make you feel more like you.
Its always a journey, of course, but what I’m “comfortable” wearing now is not the same kind of clothing that I tried buying right out of college (when I had my first “real” job and nothing but free t-shirts in the closet). It took a long time to figure out how to dress (more or less) appropriately for an occasion without feeling like a phony.
I think I have everything on Tim Gunn’s list except for a tailored white shirt (they either don’t fit or are see-through…have a few colored ones, but I prefer nicer knit tops for fit), “day dresses”, and jackets. Well, have one fall-weight jacket that will not be coming to DC in July. I don’t wear a lot of dresses–the occaisional skirt, but more slacks or jeans. I don’t think I”m missing out. I’m just not a “day dress” kind of gal 🙂