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Monday, March 14, 2016

Hello Monday: Packing for a work conference

Jacket: Gap | Tee: CS Gems | Leggings: Zella | Shoes: New Balance

I'm writing this on a Sunday night from my hotel room. You see, my work week started this morning when I stepped foot on my 10am flight. I'm excited, though, because it's a big women's leadership conference, and tonight's general session was already inspiring! However, as always, I agonized over what to pack. My coworker went last year and she said that for the most part it was "business casual" though many people loosely interpreted that. For me, that just meant I needed to pull out my pencil skirts, which is an easy task. The hard part is finding walking-friendly shoes that go with pencil skirts and limiting 4 days worth of outfits to a carry on. This first outfit is my Sunday morning travel outfit. No one was seeing me so I could be as casual as I wanted to be! This kicks are going to double as my workout shoes as I brought two outfits to workout in also.
 


Top: Express | Skirt: LOFT | Flats: Louise et Cie (option here, cheaper option here)

This skirt is the perfect pencil skirt because it's a printed knit material, and knit means better movement and no wrinkles. I knew it was going with me. Portofinos are the perfect top for business casual type situations, and they tuck nice and neatly into a good pencil skirt. Since I have a billion colors, it was pretty easy to pull these outfits together.

Top: Express (similar color) | Necklace: Kendra Scott | Skirt: LOFT (option) | Flats: Louise et Cie (option here, cheaper option here)

A little secret about this skirt. I bought it last summer and absolutely LOVE the print. But, I had not worn it before this trip except for on the blog. I could zip it, but I basically could not breathe. Thanks to working out, the skirt fits quite comfortably now! woo!
 
Top: Charming Charlie (c/o) | Necklaces: Charming Charlie (c/o) (here and here) | Leggings: Express | Booties: Hinge

On Tuesday night, there is a "casual" dinner event, and dancing is supposed to be involved. I went ahead and packed this fun, lightweight poncho and some leggings for the occasion. I also decided on these booties because they give me a little lift, but are still really walkable. I just hate meeting new people unless I am in heels. Flats were inevitable for this trip because it is just way too much walking for me to survive in heels. I already walked about 6,000 steps just tonight and that was just to one general session and to dinner! The rest of the week, I have 5+ sessions to attend all around the convention center, plus 3 meals to walk to! There's no way I can do that in heels, as much as I LOVE my heels. So, I figured I would whip out these heeled booties for at least this one dinner where I expect to do the bulk of my networking and meeting new people anyway.

Jacket: Express | Cami: Express (shop current colors and prints here) | Necklaces: Kendra Scott (here (c/o) and here) | Bottoms: Express | Flats: Louise et Cie (option here, cheaper option here)

And last but not least is this outfit. It's honestly a bit warm for a jacket here in Dallas, but the last day only goes until lunch and then I am back on a plane to St. Louis. I figured I would need the extra layers for travel, and figured I could survive half a day in the jacket even if it is pushing 80 degrees!

My whole intent was to post these flat lays and then take photos of me actually wearing these outfits throughout the week so I could share the selfies with you for my Friday roundup. Well, wouldn't you know, this dumb hotel room doesn't even have a full length mirror!!! I had to make a half-height-mirror full body by standing on top of a chest. So, uh yeah. The selfies won't be pretty, but I will get you try-on pics one way or another!!

Have a great week! Thanks for linking up! 


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31 comments :

  1. Love that leopard print pencil skirt, what a great piece, and that purple outfit is lovely :)


    Hope you have a great time at the conference!

    Thank you for the link up!

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  2. I have both of these skirts and love the leopard one just a bit more because it stretches so well. I love the fun pom pom top!


    Thank you for hosting and hope you are having a fab week!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Hope to see you for TBT Fashion link up.

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  3. Packing for a short trip is quite challenging, isn't it? I don't usually plan outfits, just decide on the colour scheme (2-3 colours that go together) and then pack items that can be mixed and matched endlessly, add max 2 pairs of shoes and a bag.

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  4. Love those flats, comfy yet stylish, great for long days at a conference.

    xo Sheree
    http://poshclassymom.com
    IG: @poshclassymom

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  5. Yay for clothes fitting again, pencil skirts are the toughest lol. Awesome work out and travel outfits.

    xo
    PinkSole

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  6. Sounds like an exciting event and these outfits are amazing!
    Http://redreticule.com

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  7. I love all your outfit choices!

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  8. Love all these flat lays! Can't believe that there is no full length mirror in the hotel. It's a make it work moment! :)

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  9. Love all the flat lays! You always have such cute pencil skirts! Have fun in Dallas!
    XO
    Carrie and Stacy
    CS Gems

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  10. Have a wonderful time at the conference! It looks like you're going to be one of the chicest women there! :-)

    http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/

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  11. so fun! i love that leopard skirt. I don't really dress up for work anymore and this post is making me miss it!
    elle
    Southern Elle Style

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  12. What gorgeous outfit ideas - Have a fab week ahead!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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  13. Great outfits!! I love them all!

    Brittany,
    www.lawyerlookbook.com

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  14. Very nice looks for the week ahead. That olive tassel top is just too cute! Enjoy the conference.

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  15. I think those flats are perfect for a busy conference! Hope you had a great weekend!!

    xx Leah / www.eatpraywearlove.com

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  16. Flat lay queen! Such great work inspiration here too. Have fun at the conference.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  17. What amazing outfits! You were probably the best dressed woman at the conference.

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  18. I'm going on vacation this weekend so I definitely needed some outfit inspiration!! Have a great time at the conference!! Melanie | Blog: Toots + Dill

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  19. I LOVE these outfits and your style. I would wear any of these! Thanks for hosting the linkup! xx-S www.gaminestripes.com

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  20. These outfits are so chic and perfect for the conference! It's funny, my friend is at that conference also and was talking all last week about how great it is. I hope you have a a great few days there!

    Nicole
    Nicole to the Nines

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  21. I love all of the pieces you picked! They all look comfortable, yet classy and professional.

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  22. Such cute picks! I think my favourite is the last one. LOVE that jacket!

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

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  23. Great outfit selection! I particularly love the grey blouse and leopard print skirt, cute shoes too!

    Emma xxx
    style-splash.com

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  24. These are all great outfits- I love the mix of prints and colors!

    http://www.avecamber.com
    http://www.bloglovin.com/avecamber

    I hope you are having a great week so far!

    Check out my current giveaway: http://www.avecamber.blogspot.com/2016/02/scalloped-top-ikea-giveaway.html


    Amber

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  25. Your travel wardrobe is the bomb girl! I love how you styled everything around the flats!

    www.dressed2dnines.com

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  26. Love to see how and what other people pack. You have some great looks! Thank you for hosting.

    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com
    STYLE NUDGE

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  27. These are great outfits for a work conference! I always try to pack for a work trip in a carry on too haha!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  28. So glad to have found your post through Jenna's blog. Presenting at a conference next month. Have pinned your post for future reference. Thank you for the great advice and gorgeous suggestions!! Leslie @onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com

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  29. Love all of these outfits, you have the best taste! Can't wait to see the standing on top of a chest selfies lol!

    Brooke
    pumps and push-ups

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  30. You have the best style and I frequently check your instagram for inspiration!
    The Adored Life

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