WIW 08.24-28 [typecon edition]

This past week I attended a typography conference in Seattle; I don't normally go to them but couldn't pass up the chance to attend so close to home! It was far more hectic and busy than I expected due to having many impromptu Actual Work meetings -- plus it was an excellent opportunity to chat with all the global folks I work with and rarely get to see! Was quite happy to have aimed for creative business-casual for the entirety... Was less happy at how early I had to get up each morning since I was driving into the city versus staying downtown but I managed ;) 

I did consider planning the entire conference wardrobe ahead of time but, as a mood dresser, that rarely works for me. Instead I selected about 10 outfits I've already worn and know felt fab then chose from the list each morning. Each day's needs were slightly different though highly walkable shoes daily were a must, plus comfortable for loooong days. The weather was also a little ridiculous, with the first few days around 90F and the latter few days down to 70F. Happily the AC at the hotel wasn't crazy so it was perfectly fine to "dress for the weather."

#2 Wednesday 08.24. To attend a Mariners game with a big group on a very hot day, then later in the evening to attend the conference's opening lecture. I found this day's outfit by far the most challenging! Opted to skew casual with team colors, accented with gold filigree earrings and cognac/snakeskin for bag/shoes.
 
#3 Thursday 08.25. Had a half-day workshop to attend so again opted to skew casual; I also knew I would have two 20+ minute walks going to and from the workshop location, again in very hot weather. I love pairing taupes with white and this has been a favorite outfit this summer. Finished with blush rock crystal studs, my biggest sunnies, and peach better-than-nude lip balm.

#4 Friday 08.26. First full day at the conference spent almost entirely in worky meetings, plus a lovely long social dinner event outside on the patio. I figured a ballroom full of graphic and type oriented folks would enjoy a hectically bright outfit so I chose another favorite. Unfortunately the fabric along one of the seams on these pants started to pull apart so it was good that my top was longer! Not sure if it's fixable, need to take it in to check.

#5 Saturday 08.27. Conference lectures and more meetings this day, followed by a lovely dinner at the home of a local designer we recently collaborated with. Extra tired this morning so a graphic dress made the morning much simpler! Paired with my usual faves for this dress: gold (shoes, giant hoops), white (clutch), and cherry lip gloss. Easy peasy.

#6 Sunday 08.28. A split for the final conference day: morning lectures, lunch with forum member Ann (dashielle), then back to the conference for dinner and an evening drinks event. Had lots of comments on the sleeveless turtleneck; after a few days in Seattle, many non-locals suddenly had a very clear understanding and appreciation of how the PNW climate is perfect for this kind of seasonally confused garment ^^

And apologies but I didn't remember to snap a photo with Ann but of course she looked fabulous! She was wearing the lovely navy loooong R&B vest over a navy top, and then I think black skinnies and boots (my brain had stopped working by Sunday). After a yummy lunch at Serious Pie we stopped by Nordies to drop the vest off for alteration and take a peek around the fancy fall stuff which was fun.

#7 Bonus. Action icon workshop photo, complete with terrible posture (really should fix that, someday). That is my little fishie on the big screen, heh.

It was wonderful being able to shop my closet for the entire conference, and not feel like I had to go out and rush to buy anything new. Being home each night was also nice even though the commute cut a chunk of my sleep. If I were traveling I would totally take this same approach even if it meant over-packing (I'm usually a lighter packer). Anyone else pack like this for conferences versus a true capsule or planning each day ahead of time?

As always comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

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43 Comments

  • Aquamarine replied 8 years ago

    Fun week of outfits! I am partial to Thursday's outfit (I love taupe with white, too), but did you really wear a leather jacket over it?

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    Thanks Aquamarine! The jacket (taupe with a silver wash!) in Thursday's outfit is actually a very light canvas material so it was quite breathable. I also took it off while outside walking ;)

  • Aquamarine replied 8 years ago

    Oh nice. It looks like leather on my screen :-)

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    I LOVE #5, and saw it in person. My Killer BEST. 

    I love #4 next. The colours launch me into orbit. 

    You were definitely the most stylish person at that conference! A Killer fabulous week as always. 

    (Fun to have you on my doorstep, Aida. Sorry we couldn't meet up. I'm on your doorstep tomorrow night - Xfinity Arena watching Duran Duran). 

  • JAileen replied 8 years ago

    Your outfits are so pretty, varied and interesting. I like 4 best.

  • Jaime replied 8 years ago

    Your last outfit (sleeveless turtleneck and leather look jeans) is my favorite. Apparently that is the mood I am in because you pull of all these looks beautifully. Your middle outfit (bright orange pants and pink) is also a favorite - hope you can fix those fab pants.  Honestly they are all terrific. But I feel like your mother because I also noticed your posture in the last picture- although not so bad compared to other techie types I know ;) .

  • dashielle (Ann) replied 8 years ago

    Great looks all around Aida! I have a bias towards Sunday's outfit, because a) I got to see it, and b) a little bit of edge, which I love. I hope you've caught up on your sleep this week ;-) 

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 8 years ago

    I love these varied looks and all the color.

  • Diana replied 8 years ago

    This is such an amazing group of outfits, Aida! Every single one of them is fantastic. My favorite is the pink+orange just bc I love that color combo, but really they are all amazing. I usually just pack x number of outfits for x days of a conference due to wanting to travel light, although I do try to make sure they're at least somewhat mix and matchable so I can switch around a little to fit my mood and the weather. It's nice to attend conferences in your hometown, isn't it? Access to your whole closet + getting to sleep in your own bed = priceless!

  • kerlyn replied 8 years ago

    All great looks, Aida.  But that graphic dress is SO amazing on you!  

  • gradfashionista replied 8 years ago

    My fav is Sunday's--love the contrast, textures, and silhouette.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Aida, you look amazing in each outfit, but my favourites are Friday (that has got to be one of my favourite outfits on you, ever, so I'm delighted to see it again!) and Sunday's -- the textures are divine and I love that you got to show off the virtues of seasonal confusion! :) 

    I actually pack like this for conferences and short trips all the time

    I guess I'm a mood dresser, too, and I also try to take account of weather (which is almost always predicted to change) and my awareness that I might not know the AC situation.... I usually pick a few "creative business-casual" FFB outfits for different weather conditions and a couple of potential evening outfits in both super casual and dressier iterations. Sometimes this means more in the suitcase than actually gets worn, and sometimes not, but I try not to sweat it as long as I can carry it, so to speak! 

  • karen13 replied 8 years ago

    Love them all, but special love for #3, #4 and #6.. Thank you so much for posting these! In my case, several silhouettes are ideas I have toyed with but rejected and now I can study why I love them on you, and try to copy shamelessly.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    What a great conference capsule! 6 is my fave, followed by all the rest as a close second! I'm so impressed with these fantastic outfits, given all the parameters you had to consider. Stunning and functional all around.

  • AJ replied 8 years ago

    Waving to my chevron skirt twin!  Do you still have the yellow version?  I almost purged my skirt since I haven't worn it this spring/summer.  You have inspired me to hold onto it a bit longer.

    My faves are #3, 5, and 6.  I always enjoy seeing your weekly round-ups!

  • ramya replied 8 years ago

    That skirt outfit!!!
    Did you wear a layer under the vest Aida?

  • Momo replied 8 years ago

    Beautiful! My fav is 6.

  • skylurker replied 8 years ago

    You always look fantastic, I particularly love #2 and #5 here, the denim vest makes a cool bodice and the red dress looks breezy and happy - love the golden accents too.

  • lyn67 replied 8 years ago

    All a gorgeous week, but my faves are 5(red patterned dress) and 6 (tunic vest with  leggings), wow!!! I esp love the shoe options, you were the most trendy there, I GUESS!:-)

  • viva replied 8 years ago

    What a fun post and fantastic array of outfits! My favorite is 6 -- that is amazing and perfect for this time of year in New England, too.

  • Sara L. replied 8 years ago

    What a great selection of outfits!  I think my favorites are #1 and #5.  I love that sleeveless turtleneck but don't think it would work in my climate (too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter).

  • TraceyLiz65 replied 8 years ago

    I adore all of these looks. I too am a mood dresser. I have a cruise coming up in a few weeks and have planned a bunch of dresses for both dinner and day wear. The hardest part is to fill in with pants, shorts and tops to round it out. I am an overpacker and make no apologies for it,lol

  • Bonnie replied 8 years ago

    All of the outfits are perfect, but my favorite is #3. I didn't see a find for the top and I want it or something similar. I think I should have made you my style icon.

  • Mirjana replied 8 years ago

    I can only say fantastic outfits I adore all of these you really look beautiful.

  • texstyle replied 8 years ago

    An extravaganza of beautiful colorful Aida outfits! If I  had to pick a favorite it would be the last - something I can't wear here in our heat - but then again, maybe it would work for our winter weather...

  • RobinF replied 8 years ago

    Wow, these are all beautiful! My favorite is #6, those leather jeans are great! Followed by the red dress - so cute.

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    Thank you all for the comments! Lots of love for the sleeveless turtleneck outfit, fun ^^

    Diana, Suz, and Tracey, thanks especially for sharing how you pack for these kinds of things. And Diana, YES it was definitely nice having my full wardrobe and my own bed each nice.

    Angie, woohoo! Hope you have a blast at the concert \m/

    Ann, all caught up on sleep! I took Monday off ;)

    AJ, yep I still have the yellow and actually I wear that one a lot more than the teal. Plan to hang onto these skirts until they literally fall apart!

    Ramya, I wear a camisole under this vest when buttoned as a top. Most often a black or gray lace-trimmed one, but this day I wore a plain nude one. The denim is a little scratchy on its own since it's a heavier weight.

    Bonnie, the top in #3 was from Nordstrom Rack in the Junior's department last summer. I always take a peek there for fun printed things!

  • Brooklyn replied 8 years ago

    Oh, I am wearing my BR sweater (same as yours but teal coloured) today! I like the seasonal confusion for the opposite reason from you - winter is mild here and I run hot so sleeveless sweaters work well for me in winter (could never wear it in summer). How fun that we are moving into a crossover period in the seasons! Anyway, I love all your outfits. That one in particular. But also a special shout out for the taupe and white outfit. I am very fond of that colour combination too. Fresh but also earthy. I have been trying to track down a taupe or olive green jacket for spring/early summer. But no luck yet. But I have the white - I bought those white coated jeans :)

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    Brooklyn, ooh how fun! I know you sent me the link to the jeans but could you send me again? I'm still totally interested. Also post an outfit with 'em pretty please :D Most people don't enjoy transitional weather but I really enjoy it -- you can do such interesting things with seasonal confusion. My favorite is shorts+tall boots+bare legs ^^ I hope you can find a good lighter weight taupe or olive jacket. I'm sure something canvas in olive will come your way, it seems much easier to find than taupe.

  • Brooklyn replied 8 years ago

    I love transitional weather. More time to wear boots :)

    Re the coated jeans. They are sold by a chain store here called Trenery. They are skinny but not super skinny, which I like. My only caveat would be that if you wanted to shorten them that could be tricky because of the little ankle zips. Although it's probably do-able. I bought this ASOS top to go with them. Part acrylic, which is not my fave, but a lovely "taupe" colour (hard to find and too hard to resist). I need a jacket!! I will post when I can :)

    https://www.trenery.com.au/sho.....-Jean.html

  • Sally replied 8 years ago

    Hard to pick a favourite because you look great in all of them. But if I was to, I'd say number 2....I love the white jeans assymetrical top and jacket.

  • Style Fan replied 8 years ago

    All fantastic outfits Aida.  I love the pink top with orange jeans.  It looks amazing on you.  And the last outfit is really WOW.  Love those jeans.

  • Windchime replied 8 years ago

    What terrific outfits you put together for your conference! I'm really impressed with the variety of silhouettes. Not sure I can pick a favorite; the taupe outfit is so pretty and calmimg; and I love the bright colors of your dress with gold shoes.

  • Mochi replied 8 years ago

    They are all killer. I love your maximalist wardrobe and how you wear it! 

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    Concert was KILLER AMAZING. We came home sooooo late last night. Work day today, and we're deaf zombies. LOTS OF EXTRA TEA. 

    Did you see my Romantic Graphic outfit post this week? I think you'll like it, LSS. 

  • replied 8 years ago

    What a treat for me to see on my first day back from hols! You look amazing as pre usual Aida. #3, #4 and #6 are my favourites. Gorgeous colours and prints.

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    Thank you very much ladies!

    Brooklyn, thanks for the jeans info! I will look into it. Great ASOS top, that'll look super with them ^^

    Angie, woohoo glad you had a good time. That arena can definitely get loud. I did take a peek at your VERY PRETTY outfit but haven't had any time to comment. Will be playing blog catch up this weekend :D

  • Tanya replied 8 years ago

    Wow, Aida, these are all so fantastic, I can not find the right words.  You must have been the most stylish conference attendee.  I especially like #4 (Goodbye, Summer!) and #6 (Hello, Fall!)

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    Thank you Tanya! The season felt like it changed overnight, no joke. It  was a little startling actually -- we usually get around two weeks of lead into fall. It's full on fall storm and bluster today!

  • Joyce B replied 8 years ago

    Those were such fab outfits for your conference! I cannot choose a favorite as I love them all.

  • Elizabeth P replied 8 years ago

    Oh Aida, what a totally DELICIOUS set of outfits!  I just finished planning a capsule for a week long conference I'm heading to in a couple of weeks, and it's soooo boring compared to this, all black and white and citron.  Although streamlining colours is more practical when trying to minimize items somewhat (and I'd like to leave suitcase space "just in case" :) ) I do think I'll do some re-thinking.  It's such a tricky time of year as well, weather wise.

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    Thanks Joyce and Elizabeth!

    Elizabeth, yes it can be tricky can't it! Especially if you're traveling to said conference; I was lucky to be home so didn't have to worry about packing limitations. Your capsule doesn't sound boring, these are colors you wear a lot of. Signatures!

  • Roxanna replied 8 years ago

    Oh, a typography conference! I'm a font nerd and that sounds like SO. MUCH. FUN! (Honestly!)

    I love your formula of tunic over skinnies with cropped jacket - that is going on my list to try! I love the hot pink, red and white one the most. And I love your fishy :)

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