It's no secret that, for the most part, women dress for other women... And given the fact that I'll be headed to Alt Summit in less than a week (a design/blogging conference that will be packed with, yep you guessed it, women), my brain is stuck in a sort of sartorial overdrive.I have pretty much been thinking about outfits non-stop.
And despite having a closet full of perfectly good clothes that very few (if any) of the women I'll encounter next week have ever seen, I have been lamenting the fact that I have "nothing to wear" for days. But matters of the closet are rarely logical. My poor clothes, I put so much pressure on them...the expectation that they'll make me feel a certain way or impart importance on a particular (possibly totally un-important) occasion. That's a lot to shoulder for a swath of cotton.
After much consternation and a little bit of shopping, I *think* I have things figured out. (I had to get a head-start on the process, as I have a work trip from Sunday-Tuesday evening and then leave for Alt the very next day...oh who am I kidding, I am a major advance packer...it's an illness.) I laid out all my outfits with shoes and jewelry and whatnot (+ calling cards and books and magazines and my camera...the whole enchilada) and am feeling pretty good about how things are shaping up. I also think I can get it all into a carry-on suitcase, which is key to the whole enterprise since I never check my luggage.
We'll see how it goes next week. Wish me luck!
p.s. -- Just wondering...does this "what to wear" stuff make you guys crazy too or is it just me??
And despite having a closet full of perfectly good clothes that very few (if any) of the women I'll encounter next week have ever seen, I have been lamenting the fact that I have "nothing to wear" for days. But matters of the closet are rarely logical. My poor clothes, I put so much pressure on them...the expectation that they'll make me feel a certain way or impart importance on a particular (possibly totally un-important) occasion. That's a lot to shoulder for a swath of cotton.
After much consternation and a little bit of shopping, I *think* I have things figured out. (I had to get a head-start on the process, as I have a work trip from Sunday-Tuesday evening and then leave for Alt the very next day...oh who am I kidding, I am a major advance packer...it's an illness.) I laid out all my outfits with shoes and jewelry and whatnot (+ calling cards and books and magazines and my camera...the whole enchilada) and am feeling pretty good about how things are shaping up. I also think I can get it all into a carry-on suitcase, which is key to the whole enterprise since I never check my luggage.
We'll see how it goes next week. Wish me luck!
p.s. -- Just wondering...does this "what to wear" stuff make you guys crazy too or is it just me??
* a few of you have asked for details of some of the things in the photo...here goes:
- clutch on chair -- Clare Vivier from Pretty Mommy
- gold and colored thread necklace -- Madewell
- black necklace -- JCrew
- gold brass necklace with gold chain -- Laura Lombardi from Pretty Mommy
- Striped shirt -- Chance
- Grey t-shirt dress -- C&C California
- Shoes -- Both JCrew (tan heels, black heels)
- Bangles -- Kathryn Bentley, House of Harlow, F is for Frank, Ariel Gordon
- Scarf -- Missoni from Gilt Group
40 comments:
So far your outfits look amazing!
I completely agree on how women...essentially dress for women and we expect our clothing to bring stories, adventures, and confidence!
You must share how you can manage to pack everything in a carry on! I have never (in my 20 years of breathing) have been able to do that. I feel like a "weekend" bag is an equivalent to a carry on...
you always look great here on your site. i'm trying out a new 'intention/resolution' of wearing jeans only on the weekends for the next two weeks. i love that you are packing accessories - maybe that would be a great intention for me - i rarely wear anything other than the same 4 pieces every day. thanks for the inspiration.
Glad to see that Anthro dress in there! I thought it looked so cute on you on that last post where you decided against it in favor of the more comfy (but still cute) outfit. Best of luck at the Summit! ~Cassy
www.samefishnewpond.blogspot.com
i'm a total 'advance packer'. i have a trip coming up in mid-march that i have already starting dissecting my closet over. don't tell anyone!
looks like you have some fabulous pieces lined up. i want to read that book, too. have fun!
makes me completely crazy all the time. my husband can't seem to understand it at all. just this morning it was, "are you changing your pants again??!" and i just said, "honey. it's what I do. these didn't feel good, so i'm putting these on instead."
i'm so glad i'm not the only one.
now as for the advanced packing... me? not so much. ;)
Is that a Steve Martin book I see? I have had a HUGE crush on him ever since I was young. (no one else seems to understand this). The outfits are very cute too! Love the nautical stripe. Have fun!
It's funny - I'm organized in every other aspect of my life but when it comes to packing, I always bring way too much. I love all your choices, especially the Laura Lombardi necklace. Where did you find the large bangle bracelet that's covering up the VE in Steve Martin's name?
I love your organization!! Your outfits that you post always look amazing. Have fun at ALT!
I really wanted to go to Alt this year (unfortunately it's not going to happen) and honestly the first thing that popped into my head is what am i going to wear!
Laura -- the larger bangle is from House of Harlow...i think i got it on Piperlime.
you rocked it last year; can't wait to see part deux!!!
"what to wear" is a daily question that i wake up with! can i really already be thinking about it when i am asleep? you always look absolutely pulled together, classy and chic in your pic's and i LOVE your blog! Your resolutions were so real and inspiring . . . may have to borrow a few :)
www.glitterandgoldblog.blogspot.com
I just received that book as a Christmas gift. Big chunky necklaces and stripes...I like. I just have to say that if I dressed myself for the women I work with who are the women I see on an every day basis, I would be dressing for a 40+ crowd. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But that seems to be a bit older than my wee 25 years, and so I feel that my dressing has to come from somewhere else. But when I am surrounded by my peers, I would have to say my dressing habits change and become much more difficult.
How divine! I am in love with your shoes!
very cute! i always knew it, but really never admitted that women dress for other women. (duh!) my husband ALWAYS catches me "checking out" other gals... what can i say? it's where i get my best ideas :)
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the book. I got my copy at the library last week and was so stoked to begin it. I got about 40 pages in that night, and just have not felt motivated to pick it up since. I'll finish it before the due date, I'm sure ....
I better get my tushie into gear and get packing for Alt. Love everything your packing - the stripe shirt and necklaces (I LOVE). Can't wait to finally meet you next week.
Emily -- I'll definitely let you guys know what I think after I read it. I really liked his other books...
Caitlin -- I can't wait to meet you either!
I love it!!!! Oh man, now you made nervous for my outfits! I need to recap tonight:)
simplygrove.com
I think your outfits look great- you'll feel and look great. I'm the same way about packing. I'm leaving for France on Saturday and I've had the outfit list worked out for a week now. It just makes it all go smoother. If you can get it all in the carryon luggage then even better. I spent two weeks in Italy a few years ago and planned the outfits carefully and fit it all in a carryon bag. Have fun! BTW- that Steve Martin book has been catching my eye at the bookstore so I can't wait to see a post on how it was.
To answer your question, YES. Makes me crazy.
And because you asked for it, good luck!!
Looks good! I try to be that good about packing, but I just can't wrap my mind around outfits and just throw everything in there! I'm usually left with only two decent outfits on trips. I'll use you as inspiration next time!
I have a very hard time choosing things to wear...I have "go to" outfits, but my real deficit is the accessories. I NEVER wear them and feel that I need to step it up in that department. I'm taking cues from you, was going to purchase the black necklace from J Crew but hesitated and then the necklace was gone. So this is my "challenge" to myself this year fashion wise.
Yes, it makes me crazy...like, good-giddy crazy. I am also a serial advance packer, and I loved this post. What fun to glimpse the beginnings of what will surely be an amazing trip. Also - I hope to hear your review of An Object of Beauty, it's on my reading list! Have a wonderful trip! xx
I have been agonizing over what to pack, too. I think I am getting it sorted out though. But with boots, my smaller suitcase is a lost cause so I'll be checking!
It's a good thing I don't travel very often, because I obsess about what I should wear, take along, whatever. Your outfits look great. I'm sure you'll have a great time and look beautiful,besides.
you need my outfit planning sheet (free download): http://www.seejanefly.com/toolbox/checklist/dress-meplan-it-pack-it-wear-it J :)
it makes me insane too, but not as insane as realizing that you have forgotten an essential piece. best of luck. love the striped shirt.
Joslyn, can you share the source of the amazing clutch you have pictured? Thanks!
what bag are you going to take? I dig your bags!!!!!!
I love these pics - kind of a mini closet visit... You're going to look amazing!! Now I'm super sad I'm not going yet strangely relieved I don't have to outfit plan ;)
i love your posts about your outfits! you have great taste.
I wish I could be so well organized. I love your ability to pull together a great capsule wardrobe. I always end up putting this and that in just in case and its always too much. Maybe its the effect of growing up in such a variable climate in England even when we leave the house we take extra clothes 'in case'.
hpdaisy -- i'm planning to take my big everyday tote from jcrew seen here
http://simplelovely.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-have-shopped-just-little.html
+ that little clare vivier clutch from pretty mommy. it's one of the new things. ;-)
http://shopprettymommy.myshopify.com/collections/clare-vivier/products/clare-vivier-flat-leather-remake-clutch
You're definitely not the only one! I tend to *need* something new before every business trip or vacation - and you're right, it's not logical! I pack at the last minute after days and days of mentally assembling outfits. The shoes and the necklace really make-or-break whether I end up happy in my clothes.
i hope we can see some of these outfits after the conference!
and yes, I'm the same way. i think i make my husband crazy, he just doesn't think it matters that much
I'm in the midst of 'An Object of Beauty,' it's fabulous. Have you read... http://tinyurl.com/2bzoznj ?
Kate -- I've just started it! I'm liking so far...
Wow.. this is super impressive and inspiring. I'm so excited to attend ALT this year.. but thinking about what to wear (while being prego) = stressful. My problem is I can't pick out an outfit for a day. i just pack a bunch of things and always over do it. Look forward to meeting you!
xo Trina
Joslyn! Your collection is beautiful! I know it shouldn't but it really makes me want to shop.
I'm sure you'll look great for the Summit, only wish I could see your pretty face in person!
I'm gunning for next year though.
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